Most people view their pet as a member of the family. But are you prepared to provide for your dog or cat in the event of an earthquake or other disaster?
Sue Ennis' dog Jewel is a certified therapy dog. She goes to hospitals and seniors' centers to cheer people up. If disaster strikes Ennis is ready. She carries emergency supplies in her trunk -including supplies for her pet in a handy dog kit, which the do can carry on its back.
"You have to try this stuff out your dog may really object to wearing something like this," Ennis warned. "You have to work with your dog, just like daily training."
Inside the bag is water and food in lightweight packets, and footgear -- little booties that will protect a dog's feet from debris like broken glass.
The kit has other uses too.
"If you go day hiking. I live on the north shore so if you are going up the Grouse Grind my dog carries her own stuff going up the grind so that works very well."
Bonus. Just don't forget to refill it.
In the event of a disaster Vancouver could easily be dealing with 200 to 300 thousand animals. That's a problem. After hurricane Katrina abandoned animals roamed the streets. Many thousands never survived . It was a real eye opener.
"When it came to pets , there was no plan in place, there was no identification in place and it literally took weeks to put emergency care in place," said Paul Teichroeb with the City of Vancouver.
A key piece of identification to reunite you and your pet is a city dog license. The city has put out this one page guide to preparing your animal.
The steps are easy.
"Really it is about some basic food and some water," said Teichroeb
And medication.
The city also has its own contingency plans.
" We're developing a network with pet supply companies so in a very short period we can bring in those supplies that will be needed during those particular times," said Teichroeb.
And while Sue is prepared for disaster she still hopes she never has to use it.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
