How to make an emergency evacuation kit for your small animals!

One of my New Year’s Resolutions has been to put my effort where my talk is and really get my household prepared for an emergency - even though no emergency has required evacuation in my lifetime.

I am better prepared than most people in that I have taken the Emergency Sheltering Course offered by Humane Society University. When I was running Small Victories Rodent Rescue, I created this Emergency Evacuation document that small animal households should fill out and put in a prominent place. At my home in Montreal, I posted right above the alarm system console a large index card to help rescuers, my roommates, or tenants evacuate the house of pets and valuables should there be a fire or a flood. Though this year has been one of travel for me and my pets, where much of their equipment is readily available, I could be better organized.

Here are recommendations from Red Rover, a non-governmental organization that specializes in rescue efforts in disaster areas. These recommendations help pet owners prepare for the worst, in order to ensure the happiest endings possible. You can download, print out, and give the information card to people whose pets you care about; if you visit this website, you will find more information about safe, pet-friendly evacation places, the types of disasters, and different tips for different species (including birds and reptiles and amphibians).

As for your own small animal pets, I have taken the liberty of customizing the details for small animal pets such as rabbits and rodents:

Identify evacuation locations

• Find places that can accommodate pets if you evacuate; consider pet-friendly hotels, kennels and/or loved ones
• Write down locations and store them with your disaster kit
• Practice loading your pets into carriers and your vehicle

Microchip your pets – if appropriate

• Microchipping is the single best way to reunite lost pets and families.
• This may only apply to long-lived, outdoor-venturing small animals such as rabbits. Tattooing their ears, a common practice in breeding lines and in rescue communities in some countries, may be a distinct alternative we should consider, as shelter workers may not habitually check rabbits for microchips.
• Update your microchip registration when you move, change phone numbers or get a new emergency contact

Start a buddy system

• Exchange keys with someone who can evacuate your animals if you are not home when disaster strikes
• Give your buddy your pets’ information and your emergency contact information
• Make sure your buddy is comfortable handling your pets

Take photos of you with your pet(s)

• Photos can prove ownership if you are separated from your pets
• Keep copies in your wallet and your disaster kit
• Give copies to a loved one who lives outside of your area
• Storing photos on your cell phone can also be useful

Assemble a disaster kit

• Assemble a kit for each animal in your household
• Use the crate or carrier to hold the kit; obtain a duffel bag that is either small enough to fit into the carrier or large enough to hold the carrier with the pet inside and the supplies outside. Duffel bags are easy to sling the strap over your shoulder in an emergency.   
• Keep the kit near an exit so it is easy to grab in case of an emergency

What to include in your disaster kit:

Food

• A one-week supply in airtight, waterproof containers
• If using canned food (which applies to ferrets, though rats love smoked mussels), include a can opener and spoon
• Rotate food every two months to avoid spoilage

Water

• A one-week supply in airtight, waterproof containers
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight
• Rotate water that you decant yourself every two months to avoid spoilage

First aid/Medication

• Make a basic animal first aid kit (link to a PDF document from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) and include a book for your species of pet - the helper may know nothing about rodents and rabbits!
• Any prescription medication your animal may be or have been on
• Flea/tick preventive medication: Powder, ivermectin, or selemectin. Speak to your vet about dosing; many small animal pets take a fraction of the cat or dog dose, which will need to be measured and administered by syringe. Obtain a syringe and syringe cap to reduce waste of the medication; many products will evaporate once the tube is opened. At first use, transfer the tube contents to the syringe and cap it.

Identification

• Printed photos of pets that show any distinguishing features
• Photos of you with your pets
• A harness fitting your small animal (ferret, rabbit) with a “write-on” identification tag for when you get to your destination
• Proof of vaccinations (in case you must board your pet; this only may apply to ferrets, but veterinary checkup papers are very helpful to people who are unfamiliar with small animals)

Animal care supplies

• Crate or carrier
• Food and water bowls (collapsible will save space)
• Blanket, toys and treats
• Fresh litter with litter tray

Cleaning supplies

• Paper towels
• Cleaning solution (Nature Pet, vinegar solution, hydrogen peroxide)
• Baby wipes or pet wipes, which will be necessary for ill pets or cramped conditions.

These tips are also available for download *in English et en français* ici.

Notez bien: On cherche quelqu'un qui pourra bien traduire cette texte en français. C'est trop importante d'attendre longtemps, donc un version de traduction Google était mis en place là.