Emergency Planning

The last decade's constant parade of natural disasters -- floods, fires, hurricanes and earthquakes among them -- has people thinking about preparedness as never before. Before you contemplate the purchase of another pack of batteries or candles, take a minute to ask yourself: Where do my pets fit in?

The answer: In your plans!

Here are some disaster-planning tips that will give your animal companions the best chance of handling whatever nature throws our way.

Make sure your pet has ID: Most animals will survive a disaster even if separated from their family, but too many will never see home again without a way to determine which pet belongs where. That's why pets should always wear a collar and identification tags.

Better still: Add permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or imbedded microchip, in addition to a collar and tags.

Keep temporary ID tags at hand, too, to put on your pet if you're forced to evacuate. (The information on your pet's permanent ID isn't of much use if you aren't home to answer the phone.) One of the easiest: key tags that you can jot a current number on, slip into a plastic housing, then attach to your pet's collar.

Keep vaccinations and medical records current: Your pet may come in contact with sick animals during an emergency, which is why it's always important to keep vaccinations up to date. Records are important, too, if you have to leave your pet in another person's care. Prepare a file with medical records, your pet's microchip or tattoo number, your veterinarian's phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, and recent pictures of your pet. Trade copies of emergency files with another pet-loving friend -- it's a good idea for someone else to know about your pet should anything happen to you, even a more common crisis such as an auto accident.

Have pet restraints ready: Keep leashes and crates ready for emergencies. Harnesses work better than collars at keeping panicky pets safe, but crates work best of all.

Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pet owners, but they are among the most important, especially for cats. Sturdy crates keep pets safe and give you more options for housing your pet away from home.

Crates provide pets with a room of their own, and that can buy them space in an overcrowded shelter, kennel or veterinary hospital. A crated pet can also be kept for an extended period in an area where a loose animal just isn't practical -- such as a hotel room or car.

Another item to keep on hand is a muzzle, because frightened -- or injured! -- dogs and cats are more likely to bite.

Keep ample pet supplies on hand: Keep several days' worth of food and safe drinking water as well as any necessary medicines packed and ready to go. Rotating supplies will ensure that they don't get stale. When you buy a new bag of kibble, put it in the disaster kit and use the one that's already on hand.

If your pet eats canned food, be sure to keep an extra can opener and spoon tucked in among the emergency supplies.

Know where to go: Talk to your veterinarian now about emergency plans, and learn the location of shelters, boarding kennels and other veterinary hospitals in the area in case you need to leave your pets in someone else's care.

If you and your pets are fortunate enough to be spared when disaster strikes your community, consider helping out those who weren't so lucky. Call the people at your local shelter and find out what they need in the way of volunteers, supplies or donations.