Luzerne County Animal Response Team

Assisting Animals In Emergencies

Luzerne County Animal Response Team

Assisting Animals In Emergencies

Pet Food Pantry

The Luzerne County Animal Response Team has been working hard during this coronavirus pandemic to supply families in need with food for their pets. Our team has received donations of dog, puppy, cat, and kitten food that we have been handing out to those requesting assistance. If you are in need of pet food, please private message our Facebook page and tell us what kind of pet you have, and what food you are currently feeding them, so we can best match what we have available for your pets. We will then make arrangements for you to pick up the food using a no-contact process to keep everyone safe.

When you message our Facebook page, please give us the following information:

– What kind of pet you have: Dog, Cat, Puppy, Kitten, Etc…
– What brand of food and flavor of food you are feeding your pet

Facebook Private Message Link

Pet Food Pantry

Luzerne County Severe Weather Ordinance

Luzerne County Severe Weather Ordinance

No. 2015-14

Effective Date of this Ordinance was March 1, 2017

An Ordinance of the Luzerne County Council Providing for the Time and Manner Dogs
 May Be Outside During Severe Weather Events.

WHEREAS, Luzerne County is a home rule county with a Home Rules Charter adopted under the provisions of the Home Rule and Optional Plans Government Law; and

WHEREAS, the Luzerne County Council deems it advisable for the public health and welfare of the County to provide prohibitions on the times and manners dogs are left outside within Luzerne County during severe weather events; and

WHEREAS, the County Council desires to adopt the following provisions related to the treatment of dogs within the County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL as follows:

Section 1. Prohibitions.

  1.  It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any dog outside and unattended during any period in which a severe weather warning has been issued for Luzerne County by the National Weather Service.
  2. It is unlawful for any person to leave any dog outside and unattended for a continuous period of time greater than thirty (30) minutes if the temperature during such period remains either entirely:
      1. Below twenty-six (26) degrees Fahrenheit; or
      2. Above ninety-two (92) degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.
      1. “Outside” shall mean the dog is subject to the weather and elements, which expressly includes, but not be limited to, a dog in securely fenced-in yard, a dog in a kennel, or a dog tethered or tied-out. The dog shall be considered “outside” regardless of access to an outdoor doghouse or similar structure.
      2. “Unattended” shall mean any dog left outside either when the owner is inside the house or building, or the owner has left the house or building.

Section 2. Officials Authorized to Enforce this Ordinance.

  1. Pursuant to Section 5511 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced by the agents of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County (“SPCA’). The SPCA agents shall have all powers and responsibilities necessary to enforce this Ordinance as provided herein along with all those powers vested in such an agent under the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law.
  2. In addition, all other officials with the authority and jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of Section 5511 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes may enforce this Ordinance.
    **( This includes any or all Luzerne County Local Police Departments, State Police or other Luzerne County Humane Society Police Officers.)

Section 3. Enforcement Measures.

  1. Enforcement shall begin by providing notification to any owner or occupant of any premises in violation of this Ordinance, either personally Or by posting such notice upon the premises that such owner must begin to act in compliance with this Ordinance within one ( 1 ) day of receipt of such notice.
  2. Upon the failure of such owner or occupant to bring his or her tethering situation into compliance with this Ordinance within such period of time, enforcement officials are authorized to enter upon such premises and to temporarily remove such dog from the property.
    1. Any removed dog will be held at the Luzerne County SPCA.
    2. The authorized individual who removes the dog from the premises shall provide notice to the owner or occupant of the date, time and reason for removal, and where the dog is taken.
    3. Prior to any hearing regarding the violation, such dog owner may regain possession of any confiscated dog prior to a hearing when the following conditions are met:
      1. Providing proof of ownership;
      2. Payment of all costs associated with impoundment; and
      3. The signing of an affidavit stating the owner understands the Ordinance and agrees to maintain compliance.
    4. No confiscated dog shall be considered surrendered to the Confiscating party unless expressly surrendered, in writing, by the dog owner of his or her own volition, or adjudicated as forfeited as provided in the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law after a hearing on the matter as provided in Section 4.

Section 4. Hearing.

  1. The SPCA and its legal counsel have the responsibility to file a complaint with the Magisterial District Court alleging the violations of this Ordinance and prosecute the alleged violations in accordance with the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law.
  2. Any person alleged to have violated this Ordinance has the right to a hearing in front of a Magisterial District Judge for adjudication on the merits.
  3. If, after a hearing in front of a Magisterial District Judge, a person is found to have violated this act may appeal the decision to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.

 

Section 5. Penalty.

  1. Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall commit a summary offense, and shall, upon being found guilty by a Magisterial District Judge, after hearing, pay a fine not to exceed $500, together with all enforcement and shelter costs in the event a dog must be confiscated, and all court costs as permitted by law,
  2. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, which shall be subject to prosecution as such. The maximum allowable fine where separate offenses are alleged and prosecuted at the same time is $2,500.

Section 6. Effective Date and Transfer of Power.

Pursuant to the transfer of power restriction Section 2963(2) of Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the Effective Date of this Ordinance shall be March 1, 2017,

ENACTED the 24th day of November, 2015.

LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL

ROLL CALL VOTE: (10-1)

YES: Bobeck, Dobash, Haas, McGinley, Morelli, Sorokas, SA Urban, SJ Urban, Williams, and Houck

NO: Brominski

Link to original Luzerne County ordinance document.

** – This text was added by Luzerne CART for clarification of all those with legal jurisdiction to enforce penalties. Luzerne CART has no legal authority to enforce this ordinance. Please contact your local police department or Luzerne County SPCA.

What is in your Pet Preparedness Kit

A significant number of families have pets and they need to be ready for a disaster too. Below are items to have ready to go in your pet emergency kit. Remember to have enough supplies for each of your pets. Most importantly each cat or dog needs their own crate or vari kennel.

Pet Preparedness Kit

  •  Dog or cat food, dry or canned-one to two week supply.  Can opener, spoon, dish.
  • Water—one to two week supply (include water purification tablets).  Collapsible bowl that is easy to store.
  • Cleaning supplies to clean crate.
  • Vaccination records/medical history/picture of your pet & any medical condition(s) (Store in waterproof container).
  • Medication, list each pet separately include dosage/frequency; include flea, tick and heartworm preventatives.
  • Name of your veterinarian, address, phone number.  Include release form authorizing medical treatment for your pet. Include any pet insurance information, policy number, contact (store in waterproof container).
  • Pet Information, include copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information (store in waterproof container).
  • List of emergency contacts (store in waterproof container).
  • Thermal blanket—should be reusable, wind and waterproof.  Needs to retain 90% of body heat.
  • Emergency light sticks with lanyards.
  • Collar & leash.
  • Sanitation/poop bags, cat litter, to maintain sanitation in temporary shelter area.
  • Toys—for entertainment during a time of great stress.
  • Rope—50’ of vinyl cord to create runner or tie down.  Gives pets freedom to roam while keeping them close.
  • Decal—emergency pet alert sticker to put on door/window.  Informs rescuers you have pets inside.
  • Pet first aid kit.
  • Waterproof container to store pet emergency survival kit.
  • Dog crate or cat carrier.

 

Recommended Pet First-Aid Kit

This is for a basic pet first-aid kit. For convenience, you may want to make one for your home and another for your car.  It is also suitable for a disaster preparedness kit.

  • Activated Charcoal (liquid)
  • Antibacterial ointment for wounds & eyes
  • Antiseptic cleansing wipes
  • Bandaging material
  • Cotton roll
  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
  • Current pet first-aid book
  • Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
  • Eye rinse (sterile)
  • Flea and tick prevention and treatment w/clearly labeled instructions)
  • First aid adhesive tape, 1” roll
  • Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
  • Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
  • Muzzle
  • Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
  • Latex gloves
  • Leash
  • Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
  • Thin rope
  • Saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
  • Scissors
  • Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
  • Sterile gauze pads (3” x 3” and 2” X 2”) and gauze bandage rolls (1” and 2”)
  • Sterile lubricant (waterbased)
  • Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
  • Syringe or eyedropper
  • Tweezers
  • Towel & washcloth
  • Veterinarian contact information
  • Veterinary wrap or elastic bandage

Place the contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid.  Pre-made pet first-aid kits are available for purchase at pet supply stores, pharmacies, retail and discount stores and online.

Prepare Your Large Animals for a Disaster or Emergency

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

  • Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
  • Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
  • Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
  • Always perform routine maintenance on trailers and vehicles pulling trailers to prevent break downs or accidents during transport.
  • Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
  • If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

Take extra time to observe livestock, looking for early signs of disease and injury. Severe cold-weather injuries or death primarily occur in the very young or in animals that are already debilitated.

Animals suffering from frostbite don’t exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.

Make sure your livestock has the following to help prevent cold-weather problems:

  • Plenty of dry bedding to insulate vulnerable udders, genitals and legs from the frozen ground and frigid winds
  • Windbreaks to keep animals safe from frigid conditions
  • Plenty of food and water

Information courtesy of https://www.ready.gov/animals

Keep Pets Safe During Dangerous Cold Weather

Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team Press Release – Dec. 13, 2016

 

Keep Pets Safe During Dangerous Cold Snap

Harrisburg, PA – State officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during a dangerous cold snap across much of the state over the next few days.

“While it’s easy to think that dogs are immune to cold because of their fur, the fact is that more dogs perish in the winter than at any other time of the year,” said Joel Hersh, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team (PASART.) “Some are better able to handle the cold than others, but a taking a few simple precautions can ensure an enjoyable winter experience for both pets and their people.”

Beware of cold temperatures. Many pets can be safe in outside temperatures with proper shelter, but puppies, smaller dogs, older dogs and cats should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

Provide a protective shelter. If your dog or cat stays outside much of the time in the winter, his shelter needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw which should be changed frequently to keep him warm and dry. Add a flap to the door, and face the shelter away from the weather. The size of the shelter should be large enough so your pet can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure your pet’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.

Keep older, arthritic pets inside. These animals should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside for toileting and use a leash if the yard has ice or snow. Older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.

Watch for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian. If your dog plays on ice or hard, frozen dirt, his paws are susceptible to cuts as his paws slide across these rough surfaces. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice balls and salt deposits from the road. Salt irritates a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.

Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your pet into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.
Eliminate the possibility of poisoning. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or even death if ingested. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs and thoroughly clean any spills immediately.

Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs rely heavily on a strong sense of smell to figure out where they are and can easily get lost during winter storms. Snow covering the ground will make their surroundings less familiar. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times – especially during winter storms – can help stop your dog from becoming lost. Also talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your dog, just in case.

Don’t leave your dog inside of a parked car. Most people know this rule for the summer. A parked car can quickly amplify the effects of extreme weather. During the winter it can act as an icebox and trap cold air inside.

The commonwealth’s ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs to ensure the safety of all family members: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. More detailed information, including downloadable emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org.

About CARTs: County Animal Response Teams (CARTs) were formed as an initiative of the PA State Animal Response Team (PASART), a private non-profit organization which receives the majority of its funding from the federal government through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). CARTs consists of volunteers from all walks of life – from experienced emergency responders, veterinary technicians, animal trainers and handlers to other men and women concerned with the welfare of animals. CARTs are based on the principals of the Incident Command System developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and involve a coordinated effort of government, corporate and animal organizations. For more information regarding Pennsylvania CARTS visit www.pasart.us.

Media contacts:

Joel Hersh, PASART: 717-919-7495 c-jhersh@pa.gov
Ruth A. Miller, PEMA: 717-651-2009; ruthmiller@pa.gov

If you would like to become a CART Volunteer head over to our Volunteer Page for more information.

Luzerne County Animal Response Team Fundraising for Large Animal Rescue Equipment

The Luzerne County Animal Response Team is looking to prepare our community for emergencies involving large animals such as horses, cows, pigs and sheep.  Members of our team have taken Large Animal Rescue Training and are looking to add some of the necessary large animal rescue equipment to our available resources.  One of the most important tools is a device called the Becker Sling. The Becker Sling is designed to help extract animals that have fallen into holes or ditches, as well as pools or any other circumstance requiring an extra effort to lift them back to safety.

Below is an image of the Becker Sling & Large Animal Rescue Glide being used during a
Large Animal Rescue Training Class at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Becker Sling

Photo courtesy of Davis Hill & Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Another component to the large animal rescue equipment is a Large Animal Rescue Glide. This glide is used to help move an animals from wherever they are stuck or have fallen to a safer location. Below is an image of what the glide looks like and you can also see it in the above image as well.

Photo Credit www.rescueglides.com

Photo Credit www.rescueglides.com

For Animal Emergencies Dial 911

Below you will find information on how you can donate to help us purchase these amazing tools. We cannot do this without your help, please donate.

Monetary Donations can be made directly to the address below, or you may contact us for more information.

Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team
2605 Interstate Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
c/o – Luzerne County Animal Response Team

Donations are tax deductible. PASART is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to make a donation online, please click the Donate button shown below:

On the Review Your Donation page, please click the link “Enter any donation restrictions below:” and then enter Luzerne County Animal Response Team or LuzerneCART in the box. Then click the Donate Now button at the bottom of the page. 

PASART Winter Storm Advisory for Your Pets

PASART_Shield_LogoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – Monday, January 26, 2015

Media Contact:
Joel H. Hersh – Executive Director Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team
2605 Interstate Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110 | PH: 717-651-2736| Cell: 717-919-7495 | c-jhersh@pa.gov

While it’s easy to think that dogs are immune to cold because of their fur, the fact is that more dogs perish in the winter than at any other time of the year. Some are better equipped to handle the cold weather than others. Frostbite, hypothermia and antifreeze poisoning present the biggest winter threats to pets. By taking a few precautions and using common sense, pet owners can keep their dogs safe this winter.

winterpetsafteyslider

Beware of cold temperatures. While many pets can be safe in outside temperatures with proper shelter (see below), puppies, smaller dogs, older dogs and cats should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

Watch for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian. If your dog plays on ice or hard, frozen dirt, his paws are susceptible to cuts as his paws slide across these rough surfaces. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice balls and salt deposits from the road. Salt irritates a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.

Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your pet into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.

Eliminate the possibility of poisoning. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or even death if ingested. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs and thoroughly clean any spills immediately.

Keep older, arthritic pets inside. These animals should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside for toileting and use a leash if the yard has ice or snow. Older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.

Provide a protective shelter. If your dog or cat stays outside much of the time in the winter, his shelter needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw, which should be changed frequently to keep him warm and dry. Add a flap to the door, and face the shelter away from the weather. The size of the shelter should be large enough so your pet can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure your pet’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.

Supply fresh water. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure the dog’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.

Provide an appropriate amount of food. If your dog remains active in winter, he’ll burn more calories in the cold—and needs about 10 percent more food to compensate. If your dog becomes
less active in the winter, try to keep him from gaining extra weight by cutting back his food and making sure you continue going for walks and playing with him.

Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs rely heavily on a strong sense of smell to figure out where they are and can easily get lost during winter storms. Snow covering the ground will make their surroundings less familiar. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times – especially during winter storms – can help stop your dog from becoming lost. Also talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your dog, just in case.

Don’t leave your dog inside of a parked car. Most people know this rule for the summer. A parked car can quickly amplify the effects of extreme weather. During the winter it can act as an icebox and trap cold air inside.

Livestock Protection: Large animals, such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats, also need help with winter weather. Cattle stay warm by increasing their heart rate, respiration and blood flow. This is why livestock need to increase their feed intake during the winter months. Keeping outdoor animals dry and warm is key. If fur is wet and matted, it loses its insulating qualities. Shelter should be windproof and insulated. Providing bedding of straw, hay or blankets will provide extra warmth.

With the frigid temperatures quickly approaching, PASART encourages all residents of the Commonwealth to take precautions when using space heaters. According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) National Fire Incident Reporting System, national estimates for the leading reported causes of fires in residential buildings for 2012, the most recent year data is available, are: Cooking fires at 182,000 fires and second, heating fires at 45,200 fires.

The leading factor contributing to home heating fires was failure to properly clean heating equipment, primarily chimneys before use. Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, were among the leading factors contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires and accounted for more than half of home heating fire deaths.

  • In the event of a fire, your pets need protection as much as the rest of the family. Here is a list of some things you can do in your home…
  • Be sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
  • Have an emergency exit plan that includes your pets, and practice the plan regularly.
  • Make sure pets always wear identification
  • Research a safe place to take your pets.
  • Assemble a disaster kit.
  • Give a key to a trusted neighbor.
  • Ask your local fire department if they carry pet oxygen masks on their fire trucks.
  • Listen to your dog.

About CARTs: County Animal Response Teams were formed as an initiative the PA State Animal Response Team (PASART) a private non-profit organization which receives the majority of its funding from the federal government through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). CARTs consists of volunteers from all walks of life – from experienced emergency responders, veterinary technicians, animal trainers and handlers to other men and women concerned with the welfare of animals. CARTs are based on the principals of the Incident Command System developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and involves a coordinated effort of government, corporate and animal organizations. For more information regarding Pennsylvania CARTS visit www.pasart.us

The Importance of a Disaster Preparedness Plan

By being prepared with a well-thought-out disaster plan for different types of disasters, you can potentially save your pet’s life in case of emergency.  Some general tips for planning:

Click Here for PDF Version of this information

Before the Disaster

  • doggettingwashedMake sure your pet wears at least two forms of current identification.  You may want to consider a microchip implant, combined with tags on a collar.  Also, keep the information current if you have registered with any lost and found databases.
  • Be sure to place permanent, waterproof “Pets Inside” stickers on your front and back windows to alert emergency workers that pets are in your home.  If possible, list the number and types of animals in your household.  Should you be unable to go home to retrieve your pets during a disaster, this sticker could help rescue workers find your pets in your home.
  • Find a veterinarian in your area.
  • Start a buddy system with a neighbor.  Ask him/her to check on your pet during a disaster if you are not home.  Agree to do the same for your neighbor.  Exchange information on veterinarians.
  • Check to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Keep an extra copy of your pet’s health information in your pet disaster/emergency kit.
  • Assemble a disaster kit.  See recommended pet first aid kit list and pet emergency survival kit.

During the Disaster

  • Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up.
  • Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm.  Reassure them and remain calm.
  • Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis.  Call ahead and determine availability.

After The Disaster

  • Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home.  Often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water, and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
  • If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.  Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
  • After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive—monitor their behavior.

 

Don’t forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.

catwithcarrier

 

 

dogwithbackpack

Pet Emergency Survival Kit

  •  Dog or cat food, dry or canned-one to two week supply.  Can opener, spoon, dish.
  • Water—one to two week supply (include water purification tablets).  Collapsible bowl that is easy to store.
  • Cleaning supplies to clean crate.
  • Vaccination records/medical history/picture of your pet & any medical condition(s) (Store in waterproof container).
  • Medication, list each pet separately include dosage/frequency; include flea, tick and heartworm preventatives.
  • Name of your veterinarian, address, phone number.  Include release form authorizing medical treatment for your pet. Include any pet insurance information, policy number, contact (store in waterproof container).
  • Pet Information, include copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information (store in waterproof container).
  • List of emergency contacts (store in waterproof container).
  • Thermal blanket—should be reusable, wind and waterproof.  Needs to retain 90% of body heat.
  • Emergency light sticks with lanyards.
  • Collar & leash.
  • Sanitation/poop bags, cat litter, to maintain sanitation in temporary shelter area.
  • Toys—for entertainment during a time of great stress.
  • Rope—50’ of vinyl cord to create runner or tie down.  Gives pets freedom to roam while keeping them close.
  • Decal—emergency pet alert sticker to put on door/window.  Informs rescuers you have pets inside.
  • Pet first aid kit.
  • Waterproof container to store pet emergency survival kit.
  • Dog crate or cat carrier.

 

Recommended Pet First-Aid Kit

This is for a basic pet first-aid kit. For convenience, you may want to make one for your home and another for your car.  It is also suitable for a disaster preparedness kit.

  • Activated Charcoal (liquid)
  • Antibacterial ointment for wounds & eyes
  • Antiseptic cleansing wipes
  • Bandaging material
  • Cotton roll
  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
  • Current pet first-aid book
  • Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
  • Eye rinse (sterile)
  • Flea and tick prevention and treatment w/clearly labeled instructions)
  • First aid adhesive tape, 1” roll
  • Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
  • Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
  • Muzzle
  • Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
  • Latex gloves
  • Leash
  • Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
  • Thin rope
  • Saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
  • Scissors
  • Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
  • Sterile gauze pads (3” x 3” and 2” X 2”) and gauze bandage rolls (1” and 2”)
  • Sterile lubricant (waterbased)
  • Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
  • Syringe or eyedropper
  • Tweezers
  • Towel & washcloth
  • Veterinarian contact information
  • Veterinary wrap or elastic bandage

Place the contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid.  Pre-made pet first-aid kits are available for purchase at pet supply stores, pharmacies, retail and discount stores and online.

Heat Precautions for Your Pet, What you Need to Know

Heat Precautions for Your Pet

What you Need to Know

Luzerne County Animal Response Team

 

It is important to know what precautions to take with your pet during hot summer months.

Dog Heat Stroke

Keep these tips in mind and remember to look for signs that your dog or cat has had enough sun for the day. Also, get to know your breed. Certain dogs/cats cannot be in the heat for any period of time.

It is best to keep your pets inside on summer days, or at the very least during the hottest parts of the day.

If your pet is outside during the day: Provide protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.

Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially opened windows will not protect your pet from heatstroke.

Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool. Paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to the pad and hairs. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day.

Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal.

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with those that are elderly, overweight, or have heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

Know the warning signs of overheating in pets. Symptoms include:

  • Seizures Bloody diarrhea and vomit
  • Elevated body temperature of over 104
  • Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
  • Increased heart and respiratory rate
  • Drooling, weakness, stupor or collapse

Heat Stroke: If your pet is suffering from any of the above symptoms transport him/her to your vet or emergency clinic immediately. Effects from heat stroke can be long lasting and deadly.

Information brought to you by the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team

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About Us

The Luzerne County Animal Response Team provides emergency shelter and rescue to animals in times of disaster, both natural and man-made. Luzerne CART is extension of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team and is tasked with responding to animals in emergencies like car accidents, house fires and floods. Our team sets up animal shelters, if an evacuation occurred for a disaster like a flood. We also do technical rescue for both small and large animals. We are an all volunteer group that is dispatched through the 911 call center. Over 63% of households across the US have at least one pet. When a Disaster Strikes Who Will Protect and Care for Them In today’s world, we all worry about the threat of a natural … Read More ....

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