Being that you are living in Japan, the most important thing to remember is that
you have to be able to carry your supplies ON FOOT.
At best, you might be able to use your bicycle if you have one, but given what a strong earthquake can do to the roads, much less a
tsunami flooding the streets, it's best to prepare as if you will have to carry your supplies ON FOOT.
First, assemble your kit.
# a week's supply of food and water in sturdy, resealable containers (rotate every two months). About 2 Pet bottles of water, 1 minimum.
# 2 weeks' supply of medicine in a waterproof container
# a strong, secure cage big enough for your ferret to move around
# a card with your ferret's name, photo and a written description, your emergency contact information and your veterinarian's name and contact information (attach this card to your pet's carrier)
# a drip-type water bottle, preferably that can be hung from a cage. Small size is recommended. Evac areas quickly become bacteria breeding grounds. The more often you change in CLEAN water, the better.
# two stable, non-breakable food dishes preferably ones that attach to the cage as your ferret will quickly become cage-crazed from being cooped up and will look for anything to "play" with.
# small blanket or tube-sack and a toy or two
# a harness-type leash with bell and ID tag attached to the collar
# piddle pads for puppies and indoor dogs, also known as oshikko sheets
# liquid dish soap and disinfectant WIPES
# disposable garbage bags - make sure they are the ones for YOUR area. Often piddle pads are consider "paper" and are to be disposed of in
moeru gomi bags. Check with your local shiyakusho on how to dispose of piddle pads and buy the accordingly appropriate bag.
# a basic first aid kit with bandages, medicine droppers, small scissors, surgical tape, tweezers, antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, protective gloves (for you), iodine prep solution, and a couple of small splints (popsicle sticks or waribashi - disposable chopsticks - can be used in an emergency.) VSI Pet Care products produce a
very nice compact Ferret First Aid kit that you can purchase online from the
Ferret Depot. If they won't send one to Japan because of the liquid contents, have them send it to a relative/friend and then have them send it to you. (Express preferably.)
# a first aid booklet with special CPR instructions for small animals.
# 1-2 extra cheap towels to change out bedding OR use in First Aid situations OR to use for cleaning. (The ones you often get as
gifts for minor purchases or becoming a member of a supermarket, etc...)
# copies of medical records (including microchip number) with
proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations, a recent photograph and your emergency contact information, in a waterproof container
# names and contact info of shelters, veterinarians, friends or family members who would be able to care for your ferret during an emergency (preferably located outside a disaster-prone area)
# a reusable chemical cooling bar (check veterinary supply and camping supply catalogs) and a small cooler. (Good luck with this. If you can find one, good. But be prepared to dump it as you try to juggle a ferret cage, a ferret evac kit, AND your own evac kit.)
# You should also have a supply of cash and
YOUR PASSPORT.
After a major disaster, ATMs will probably be offline for some time - ATMs were out of order for weeks, even months in some areas after Hurricane Katrina!
Revised for Japan Conditions from the original Ferret Disaster Preparedness Kit.
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Now that you have that assembled some other things you might want to look into such as
Pet Hotels.
The United Animal Nations offers a wonderful list of sites
to search for pet-friendly hotels covering the USA, Canada, and International hotels.
Pet Hotels / Boarding in Japan.
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In a worst case scenario, you have lost your ferret.
Places to Post for Lost Ferrets:
A place where you can post the information sponsored by the
Veterinarians Information Network.
It's all in Japanese so if you want to post, either send me a comment here (It won't post automatically. Confidentiality is respected.) or you can try google's web auto-translate.
FERRETS WORLD HELP on Facebook is a place to post and share SOS for ferrets (urgences, lost/found, etc... ) everywhere in all the languages.
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And again
please, PLEASE share any other information, suggestions, or notifications of dead links.
As any expat overseas knows, the only one helping us is US.
Cheers and see you again! (^_-)-♪
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