Prepare and Planning

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER OR MAJOR EMERGENCY?

PHASE 1: PLANNING:   Before a Severe Weather Watch or any Alert or Warning has been issued for your area.

Download and print or view ( can be found under downloads, won’t automatically open) our Pet Preparedness Guide which includes the information you need to be ready. It includes a checklist for pet emergency and first aid kits: Pet Preparedness Brochure:https://aetf.ca/Pet-Preparedness-Brochure-2024.pdf

Amazing resource from Red Rover.org:  https://redrover.org/resource/pet-disaster-preparedness/

Tips from Government of Canada Website:   https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/plns/ptsndsrvcnmls-en.aspx

Don’t forget to prepare for you as well! Here is a link for 72 hr preparedness: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-en.aspx

Resources for people, pets and livestock from Government of Alberta: www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness

Having a First Aid Kit is also essential for humans and pets,  here is a list of common items that are useful.  Make sure to include any specific medications your pet may need as well. It is always good to have a pet carrier in a easy to grab spot.

Animal Kit:

  • Identification ( Tags, Microchip and Tattoo info)
  • Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost or for verification when picking up from a reception shelter)
  • Leash/ Collars/ Carriers/ Cages
  • Food, Water, Can Opener (if wet food)  (enough for a week or at minimum 3 days until you are somewhere safe to acquire more)
  • Litter/ Poop Bags / Shavings (small animals)
  • Treats/ Blankets/ Toys
  • Medications
  • Pet first-aid book and kit
  • Phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!)
  • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)

Medical Supplies: Pet First Aid Kit  (we sell and can ship in Canada, click link to order now ) https://aetf.ca/?page_id=285

  • Self-cling bandage/ Vet Wrap (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and from pet-supply catalogs
  • Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
  • Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Gauze rolls/Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
  • Ice pack
  • Oral syringe or turkey baster
  • Disposable gloves
  • Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
  • Thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
  • Scissors (with blunt ends)
  • Sterile saline solution
  • Tweezers
  • Splints and tongue depressors
  • Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals, pet-supply stores, and your local pharmacy)

Extras:

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions, make sure to consult vet for dosage
  • Low Dose Asprin/Metacam, if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions, make sure to consult vet for dosage
  • Expired credit or rewards card to scrape away insect stingers
  • Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
  • Nail clippers
  • Penlight or flashlight
  • Towels
  • Needle-nosed pliers