The Litter Box- Pet Emergency/First Aid Kit

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disaster, you have probably learned the hard way how to evacuate your pets safely. They say hindsight is 20/20 and now you hopefully have an emergency kit available to aid in your pet's evacuation.

For those who are new to the Houston area, welcome. If you have never experienced a hurricane, or had to evacuate because of one, you have been lucky. I have experienced two hurricanes where I have had to evacuate with my own pets during one (Rita), then again with my own pets(6 cats) and a pet sitting client's pet (1 wiemeraner) during Ike. I pray I never have to go through that again. (If wishes were horses....).

Both times I had an emergency kit set up to assist me during those evacs. Here is what my kit contained. Keep in mind I am a registered veterinary technician, and I have special needs pets as well, so my kit is customized to my pets' needs. I also evac only as far as I have to- usually the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.

Carrier(1 for each pet)

Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars with ID tags (Highly recommend Microchipping as well)

Puppy Pads to line carrires (have spares on hand for delays in travel time)

Canned cat food as well as dry(Rx diets for Diabetic Pet & Urinary Tract Pet )(have enough to last for three days or more)

Insulin & Syringes (packed in ice in a well insulated cooler)

1 Liter Bag Lactated Ringers Solution w/drip line and needles (for emergency Subcutaneous Fluid admin.)

3 Litter Pails (littler bags, rakes and clumping litter)

1 tube Nutrical

1 tube Laxatone

1 tube Sterile Lube

1 digital thermometer

3 gal. water for hydration (should have enough to last until destination is reached.)

6- 32 oz plastic water bottles for keeping cats cool during evac. (fill w/water and freeze night before evac.(Kee p extras in insulated cooler)

List of Pet friendly Hotels and vets in area I will be evacuating to.

1 large bag of catnip for use at the hotel

baby blankets for beds while at hotel

food dishes(plastic)

While my kit may be a little more detailed than most, it meets the needs of my pets. When setting up your kit, keep in mind the needs of your pet. Evacuations are as stressfull on our pets as they are on us.

If you are unable to find a pet friendly hotel- check with the Red Cross Shelters set up in the evacuation sites. Make sure to have all your pets infromations and health records on hand. Check with the local boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals as well.

Good luck this hurricane season. Oh! Don't forget to set up a kit for you and the family as well.