Emergencies happen, and when they do, they can be stressful for anyone. But this is even more true for people who own pets and especially exotics. With little time to prepare and uncertainty about what may happen next, exotics owners often find themselves scrambling to cobble together a solution in an emergency.
Natural disasters, power outages, medical events, and more can all threaten the well-being of your pets. Here’s how to make a reptile emergency kit so you have a head start on the crucial supplies needed during an unexpected time.
Heat
Many exotic pets require heat in order to digest and process nutrients. Since emergencies often include lack of access to electricity or natural gas, it is important to include possible heat sources in any reptile emergency kit.
Heat packs are one common option—just be sure to purchase the packs specifically made for reptile shipping. Hand warmers made for humans generate heat by consuming large quantities of oxygen, which can make it difficult for a reptile to breathe if they are in the same enclosure as an activated pack. They can also get unpredictably warm, so stick with shipping packs.
If you don’t have heat packs on hand, consider hot water bottles. Many homes have hot water heaters that are powered by a different energy source than their stovetop, so when one is not available to heat water, the other may be. Fill water bottles with hot (not boiling) water so your animal can cozy up.
Storage
Emergencies often require that a person move to a different location quickly. You’ll need to think about temporary housing for your exotic during this time, and it’s helpful to already have this option picked out beforehand. Try to avoid using cardboard boxes; these can be chewed or clawed through and are not resistant to water. It’s also hard to seal them securely, as tape can come apart and let the reptile escape (or it can cling to their skin and harm them).
A basic melamine or PVC box is a great choice, as are plastic aquariums (which are less prone to breaking than glass). For pets of the appropriate size, a cat carrier can also work. Just be sure not to include any of the pet’s decorations that could shift around during transport and hurt them.
Transport
Even with the right container, a reptile might not be safe during transport if they can slide around. Keep towels in the storage bin for them to hold onto while moving, and for snakes, consider placing them securely in a pillowcase. This may also work on some lizards depending on their size!
Handling
Stressed exotics—which yours almost assuredly will be during an emergency—are more prone to biting out of fear. Whether your animal is large or small, you don’t need to be dealing with injuries yourself while you navigate an emergency. Keep gloves nearby to prevent some of the scratches and bites that can occur while you are putting a reptile into their safe transport container or taking them back out.
Medications
The process of moving to a new location during an emergency can put exotic pets at risk, so it’s always smart to keep medical supplies on hand. Check here for a more comprehensive list of how to create a good reptile first aid kit, but in general, don’t forget:
- Antiseptic – Cleaners such as Betadine to disinfect scratches
- Styptic powder – To stop bleeding from cracked claws
- Sterile water – To rinse any injuries
- Gauze – To keep wounds protected; avoid bandages, which can adhere too strongly to the skin
- Condoms – One option for securing gauze around wounds on the tails of some larger animals; allows for the use of tape or bandages to create a tightened controlled area
Contact information
In an emergency, it’s possible that you might get separated from your animal. Be sure to keep personal contact information in a visible location in the emergency kit as well as with the pet. In addition, it is often helpful to include the contact information of your trusted vet. If you know ahead of time where you will be moving to, research vets in the area first and include their contact information in the emergency kit.
If the type of emergency requires owners to temporarily rely on public services such as safe houses or warming centers in the winter, keep the information for these locations in the emergency kit. This includes phone numbers, addresses, and the names of contacts at that location if known.
Other accessories
Many exotics rely not just on heat but also on humidity in order to remain healthy. Keep towels with the emergency kit, and make sure they are not water-wicking; this makes them less absorbent. Include water bottles to dampen the towels for a temporary humid hide, as these can also provide safe drinking water for the animal depending on the need.
Remember: reptiles typically require heat in order to digest their food. If there is no heat available, avoid feeding the animal until they are in a location where it is safe for them to eat and digest. Going longer than normal without food is safer than eating and then allowing the food to rot in their stomachs and intestines only partially digested.