pets are people too

this is our personal pug and it would be just about as hard to leave him behind or see him going hungry as it would my own kid. if you don't have a pet, this probably seems silly, but if you do, you get it. pets are family too. so a little planning today could make all the difference in the world for your furry family members.

whether you decide to evacuate or stay put during an emergency, you need to have a plan for your pet. generally, what's best for you is also what's best for your pet. if you must evacuate, take your pets with you if you can. and please understand that if you are going to a public shelter, your animal might not be welcome there. additionally, if they are welcome, you may be required to show some proof of good health and/or current vaccinations. so do a little research in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for you and your pets. some tips:

• contact your vet for a list of preferred kennels
• ask your local shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets
• identify hotels/motels that will accept pets in your area
• try to find a friend or relative outside your area that could temporarily take in your pet

and since we're focusing on 72-hour kits this month, it's a good idea to make one for your pet as well. here are some items to include:

• pet first-aid kit
• canned or dry food (make sure to rotate this so it doesn't go bad)
• disposable litter tray (such as an aluminum roasting pan)
• litter or paper towels
• disposable garbage bags
• pet feeding dishes
• extra harness and leash
• photocopies of medical/vaccination records
• bottled water
• a traveling bag/crate/carrier
• blanket (for warmth or scooping up a fearful pet)
• recent photo of your pet
• cats: pillow case, toys, scoopable litter
• dogs: long leash and yard stake, toys

the aspca has a great website with tons of tips, as well as a pet rescue alert sticker that you can order for free and will let emergency workers know that you have pets in your home.

shelf reliance also sells individual packets of dog and cat food that would go great into your kits as well as preassembled emergency kits for both cats and dogs. click here to see them.