Equine and Livestock Evacuation Kit Essentials

Equine veterinarians can help their clients prepare for natural disasters by educating them on the essentials to keep in their evacuation kit. Here is a comprehensive checklist from the AVMA.

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)

Animal Care Supplies

• Bandanas/blindfolds (if necessary)
• Blankets
• Fly spray
• Grooming/hoof care materials
• Leg wraps
• Portable livestock panels
• Retraints (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

You can download this checklist as a PDF to hand out to clients here.

Related Reading

• Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Exposure on Horses’ Lower Airways
• Wildfire Smoke Guidelines for Horses
• Disease Du Jour: Equine Disasters

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