Tips for Creating Emergency Kits for Your Pets

By Jackie LaGinestra

In light of current events pertaining to natural disasters, we may contemplate what we would do in the event of an emergency and how we would prepare for such an event. These questions may include: where to go? What to bring? What about for our pets?

Building a kit for your pet to use in the event of an emergency can be life-saving. This kit can include your pet’s documents, medications, preventatives, and non-perishable foods.

Documents

Documents recommended to have in this kit include:

●      records of vaccinations (especially proof of Rabies vaccination)

●      a list of comorbidities your pet may have

●      most recent lab work

●      proof of pet ownership

●      microchip number and name of company

●      your contact information

●      document of boarding instructions filled out in advance

●      a list of emergency contacts (including your vet, local emergency hospitals, and poison control centers easily accessible in your kit or saved in your phone)

Medications

Other essentials for the kit include medications, non-perishable food, and water. For those patients on prescribed medications, having an extra two-week supply on hand can be valuable, along with an extra month’s supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Anti-histamines (such as Benadryl), antacids, and topical antibiotic ointments can also be helpful.

Materials

A proper kit should also include materials to use in the case of an emergency if your pet is sick. A digital thermometer will enable you to check your pet’s temperature to ensure it is not hyper or hypothermic. Tweezers can be helpful for removing ticks and splinters. Saline solution can be essential for flushing out wounds, and bandages are necessary to keep them covered. An emergency blanket keeps your pet warm in cold weather.

Emergencies are unpredictable, but having a well-stocked emergency kit can give you peace of mind and help ensure your pet’s safety. Taking a few minutes to prepare today can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. If you have questions about assembling your kit, reach out to your local veterinarian!

Dr. Jackie LaGinestra and Dr. Victor LaGinestra are East Williston residents who practice Veterinary Medicine at the Animal Hospital of Roslyn, 212 Mineola Avenue, Roslyn Heights, New York, 11577, Telephone 516-484-6622.