Important items to add to your emergency kit if you own a pet:

� FasTags� 2006 - Photo by Cynthia Kirkeby

1. Water purification tablets or extra bottled water for your pet.
   
   
2. 3-7 days of food. Cans and pouches are great because they are sealed. If you have dried food, a water proof container is recommended. Remember to bring along a manual can opener to open cans.
   
   
3. Non-spill bowls for food and water.
   
   
4. FasTags� Instant Pet ID Tags - Keep a few FasTags� on hand. Ideally you should have an evacuation location picked out ahead of time. If you do, you can make FasTags� for your pets with the evacuation spot listed along with your cell phone number. If you do not have a preplanned location chosen, you should write your cell phone number or alternate emergency contact information on your FasTags� and tag your pet in case they get separated from you. FasTags� are also ideal for any evacuation items you'd like to ID, including travel kennels, cameras, backpacks, and computer bags. If you own a horse, keep a completed FasTags� for Tack at your stall in case your horse needs to be evacuated.
   
   
5. A harness, leash, and muzzle. Harnesses are more secure than a collar in an emergency situation and although you may not think that you would ever use a muzzle, you may find that you need one if your pet gets panicked.
   
   
6. Bring any medication your pet takes in a sealed container, along with a copy of the prescription. You should have at least a two week supply on hand. Be sure to rotate the fresh medication in to your emergency kit every six months to keep the medicine fresh and effective.
   
   
7. Plastic pooper scooper bags for dogs and disposable litter boxes for cats. The ASPCA recommends disposable aluminum roasting pans and kitty litter.
   
   
8. Pet carrier. Even if you do not usually use a pet carrier, you should keep one on hand in case of emergency. The last thing you need during an emergency is to struggle with a panicked pet. Be sure to add a FasTags� ID to your carriers and pet supplies so it is clear they belong to you.
   
   
9. Grooming tools. Be sure to have your brush and any other grooming supplies you use on a regular basis.
   
   
10. A recent photo of your pet. In the event your pet is separated from you, the photo will come in handy for Lost and Found posters.
    
    
11. A pet friendly travel book. In case your first choice of evacuation locations is unavailable, one of the pet friendly lodging books would be priceless when trying to find alternative lodging with your pet.
    
    
12. A chew toy or favorite plaything. A favorite toy can be comforting and it is much better to have your pet chew the toy than your only pair of tennis shoes.
    
    
13. Pet First Aid Kit. (See below)



� FasTags� 2006 - Photo by Cynthia Kirkeby

Pet First Aid Kit. You can pick up a pre-made kit from the pet store or online, or put together the following items to make your own:

1. An extra month's supply of your pet's medication
2. Neosporin - Triple antibiotic ointment
3. Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
4. Gauze sponges and bandages
5. Stocking or elastic bandage to protect bandages.
6. Non-stick sterile pads
7. Cloth bandage tape
8. Rubbing alcohol
9. Eye wash
10. Pepto Bismol tablets
11. Benadryl� 25mg tablets (generic: Diphenhydramine hydrochloride)
12. Hydrogen Peroxide (10 ml every 15 minutes to induce vomiting in animals that have ingested a non-caustic poison
13. Disinfectant -
14. Surgical Gloves
15. Safety Nail Clippers
16. Tweezers
17. Small pair of scissors (or swiss army knife with scissors)
18. First aid book for dogs and/or cats
19. Animal Poison Hotline & Poison Control for Pets (800/548-2423 or 900/680-0000 both numbers charge a fee).

Download a PDF copy of this article as a store handout