September 9, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Disaster preparedness for your pets

By Maureen Strenfel
Special to the Times

Q. After seeing all the displaced animals in the southeast because of Hurricane Katrina, how can I be better prepared for a natural disaster here in San Jose?

A. Start with the basics—all pets should wear a collar and an ID tag with several different telephone numbers on the tag.

In case the collar and tags fall off, you should also make sure your pets have a microchip safely injected into their skin. It contains no batteries, your pet never feels it and it lasts for a lifetime.

Then, if you get separated from your pet, more than 12,000 shelters and veterinarians can read the identification code contained in the microchip, using a simple hand-held scanner. They call or e-mail the Home Again Pet Recovery Service, open every minute of every day, to reunite you with your pet.

You should also have a disaster preparedness kit for you and your pet. A disaster preparedness kit for animals should include:

- Current pictures and microchip numbers of pet in case they are separated from you

- Extra collar and leash or harness and leash for cats/small dogs

- Small foldable, portable crate for cats/small dogs

- Seven to 10 days worth of dry food in a waterproof/airtight container

- A spoon and can opener if taking canned food (buy smallest can)

- Enough sealed water to last one week for all pets

- Two weeks worth of lifesaving medications, kept in a small airtight bottle, if pet requires them

- Foldable water and food dish

- Poop pick-up bags or disposable litter tray with litter

- Several towels to double for drying and bedding

- Small disinfectant soap for clean up

- First aid kit

- Chew items to keep dogs busy if confined

If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please call Humane Society Silicon Valley’s free Animal Behavior Helpline at (408) 727-3383, ext. 753, or e-mail: animalexpert@hssv.org.