Emergencies come in many forms and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit handy for your pets. This kit should contain the following:

• Canned (pop-top) or dry food*
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra leash
• Pet first-aid kit and guide book
• Photocopies of medical records
• Waterproof container with a two-week supply of any pet meds*
• Bottled water
• Flashlight
• A pet traveling bag or sturdy carrier, ideally for each pet
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
* Remember that food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit otherwise they will go bad or become useless.