For Dogs


Emergency Preparedness for Dogs

You need to be prepared to take care of your dog if a disaster strikes. Below is a shopping list, along with some helpful hints, that can save the life of your dog during a disaster.

 1.    Food
  • Have at least a one (1) week supply at all times.
  • Use the brand that your dog is used to eating.
  • Buy pop-top cans of food small enough to be used at one feeding since you many not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food.  DO NOT feed your dog food that has been left out.
  • Store dry food in an airtight, waterproof container.
  • Rotate food at least once every three (3) months.
  • Include in your supplies a feeding dish, a spoon, and a hand crank can opener in case you do not have pop-top cans.
 2.  Water
  • If the tap water is not suitable for humans to drink, it is not suitable for animals to drink.
  • Have at least a one (1) week backup supply at all times.
  • Store in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place.
  • Rotate water at least once every two (2) months.
 3.  Sanitation
  • Have plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your dog's waste.
 4.  Cleaning Supplies
  • Have a small container of dish soap for cleaning purposes.
  • Have a roll of paper towels.
  • If you will be housing your dog in a crate, include with your supplies a disinfectant that can be used to clean the crate.
 5.  Collar and Tags
  • Have a proper fitting, break-away collar and tag on your dog at all times.  Keep an extra collar in your supplies.
  • Have your name and address on the tag, plus an alternate telephone number of a friend or family member outside of your area who would know how to reach you during a disaster.
  • Micro-chipping your dog is a more permanent form of identification, but this does not replace a collar and tag.
 6.  Harness and Leash
  • Keep a proper fitting dog harness and at least a 6-foot long leash with your disaster supplies for walking your dog.  A frightened dog can slip out of a collar, but not a harness.
 7.  Confining Your dog
  • Have a wire, collapsible crate to transport your dog and/or to keep it in while you are displaced.
  • Be sure the crate is large enough for the dog to lie down with room for a food and water dish.
  • As an alternative to a crate, consider a metal screw stake that you can attach a dog chain to when you need to confine your dog.
 8.  First Aid
  • Keep a first aid kit and book for dogs in your supplies.
  • Be sure to keep a proper fitting muzzle in your supplies.
 9.  Medication
  • If your dog is on long-term medication, always have at least a two (2) week supply, since you may not be able to refill it in a disaster.
  • Check with your veterinarian to see if they have a disaster plan.  If your veterinarian does not, find one who does so that you can get medical care for your dog should it be injured during the disaster.
  • Keep your dog's medical records with your disaster supplies.  It is important that your dog be current on its Bordetella vaccination, which protects dogs from kennel cough, since you may have to board your dog temporarily.
 10.  Pictures
  • Keep current pictures of your dog in your supplies in case it gets lost during the disaster.  Include yourself in some of the pictures to show proof of ownership.


Click here for other suggestions to keep your dog safe during a disaster.

This information is provided by:

United Animal Nations
Emergency Animal Rescue Service

www.uan.org

Prince George County Animal Services
8391 County Drive Disputanta, VA 23842

(804) 991-3200
Providing the animal population in the County of Prince George, VA with compassion and comfort.
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