Wildfires, hurricanes, floods. People who live in areas prone to these natural disasters probably know exactly what they’d grab and where they’d go in the event of an evacuation order. For horse owners, however, moving a 1,000-pound animal in an emergency isn’t quite the same as grabbing the cat carrier. But with proper planning and preparation, you can feel confident in your ability to keep your horses safe when disaster threatens. Start by assembling a horse evacuation kit, and do it well in advance of an emergency. Ask your veterinarian if he or she recommends other items or medications for your horse’s unique needs. Here’s what to include:
Food and Medicine
- 7-10 days’ worth of food*
- 7-10 days’ supply of water (if possible)
- Two-week supply of supplements or medications*
*These items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire
Horse Care Supplies
- Bandanas/blindfolds (if necessary)
- Blankets
- Fly spray
- Grooming/hoof care materials
- Leg wraps
- Portable livestock panels
- Restraints (halters, lariats, leads, ropes, etc.)
- Water buckets
General Supplies
- Batteries
- Cloth towels
- Duct tape
- Flashlight
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Radio
- Shovel
- Tarps
- Thick gloves
- Trash bags
- Trash cans (with lids)
- Wire cutters
First Aid Kit
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage tape and scissors
- Cotton bandage rolls
- Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
- Latex gloves
- Saline solution
- Towel and washcloth
- Tweezers
Important Documents
- Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
- Medication instructions and pharmacy information
- Emergency contact cards, including veterinarian and pharmacy
- Maps of the local area and evacuation routes
Download a PDF of this horse evacuation kit checklist from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Related Reading: Be Prepared: Assembling a Basic Equine First-Aid Kit
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