Pet Hurricane Survival

So...

They're saying Hurricane Irene might hit Virginia, and some of my friends are a little worried.  A few of them are first time Pet Owners, and came to me for advice.

Pet's are just like us, except they don't have pockets, and most don't know how to pack for a major natural disaster.  Since I don't wanna come home to Bender packing a suitcase he can't carry full of my old socks, here's some things you should also remember for your pet, in the event of a Hurricane/natural disaster:

 

1.  Enough Dry Food stored in airtight container to last several days.

 

2.  Clean Water (stock enough for another Human).

 

3.  Treats as a reward during sketchy times.

 

4.  Favorite toy/ball/stuffed animal.

 

5.  Ziploc bag with any necessary medicine, and the following first aid kit:

 a.  Baby Aspirin (45mg - be sure to cut that in half or cut per Vet recommendations for your dog's size).

 b.  Ace Bandages or "Super Wrap Elastic" style bandages.

 c.  Gauze pads.

 d.  Toe Clippers (Common Injuries after a Hurricane involve the Toes/Nails, Eyes, and snout)

 e.  Optional -NaturVet Calming Moments/Quiet Moments - If you don't normally medicate your pet and sometimes it's frightened by Thunder (like Ben).

 

6.  Resealable/Waterproof bag/folder with your pet's recent shot records, and any adoption/ownership papers.  During Katrina, there were some "sticky" moments in the more rural areas, as some dogs had collars/tags, but they had outdated info on them.  Also, if you and your dog get separated, you gotta prove you own it.  Keep this with your personal info (like with your Home Insurance, Health Insurance card and other documentation) that you are packing for yourself.

 

7.  A small Old Blanket or Towel you forgot to put in the Laundry.  While it smells gross to you, it smells like Home and Comfort to your Dog or Cat.  And if you have to leave and go some place like a Friend's, it's something your dog/cat can claim while in unfamiliar territory.

 

Bender Oak is scared, stocking up on old socks.

8.  Make sure your dog/cat has a well-fitting collar with tags on, even if they are Micro-Chipped.  It's unlikely that the collar would get caught on something, but a break-away collar is a good suggestion for Micro-Chipped cats.

 

All of this can fit into one of those Heavy Weight 5 gallon Storage Bags that Ziploc came out with for Clothing storage.  They should be available on the same aisle as trashbags at most grocery stores.  The Dollar Store also has an off-brand one that you can use.  These things have handles, because you use them to carry clothes up to the attic/under the bed, but you can pack one for each member of your family and throw it in the back of a 4 door sedan (clever!).  

Be sure to use a marker to put everyone's name on them, as well as a date (that way, Milla Jovavich can tell if the food in them is still fresh after the T-strain Outbreak and the Umbrella Corporation oblivates you)...

Hope this Helps, and Thanks for Reading!