Emergency Preparedness for Reptiles
By RVT Christine Archer
While we all hope that disaster never strikes for us or for our loved ones, it is very important that we are prepared for emergencies, even in terms of our pets. In the case of reptile pets, there are a handful of very useful items that all reptile owners should have on hand in case of an emergency.
Gather up the items on this list, and store them somewhere secure, yet easily accessible. Placing everything into your cooler(s) works well.
Required items:
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Pillowcases or reptile bags
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Zip ties
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Scissors or pocketknife
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Sharpie 
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Paper towel
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Insulated cooler(s)
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Flashlight with extra batteries
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Thermometer, such as an indoor/outdoor with a probe, or a temperature gun
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Sterilite, Rubbermaid, Critter Keeper or Tupperware containers (8-12" on the long side)
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Water bottle, extra bottle caps, misting bottle (optional)
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Shipping heat packs
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Packing tape and duct tape
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First aid kit (human one will suffice)
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Card with contact info for emergency services and local vets
Emergencies involving our reptiles can be difficult, especially during the coldest times of the year. Cold temperatures can make our reptiles sick, because they are unable to generate their own body heat. When disaster strikes, there are a few things to consider:
If you do not have to evacuate, but you are unable to provide the usual heating to your reptile due to a power outage, use your thermometer to find out the ambient temperature where your reptile lives. Chances are, if it is summer, the temperature in your home may surpass 24°C. If this is the case, you may leave your reptile in its home. However, there are some reptiles that are much more sensitive to temperature changes than the most common pet reptiles - be sure to educate yourself on the specific needs for the species you keep, to ensure that they are safe at these ambient temperatures. Do not feed your reptile during the emergency situation, but a clean water source is beneficial, depending on the species. Try to limit stress by not handling or otherwise disturbing your reptile.
If you are unsure of the ambient temperature, or feel that it may drop below approximately 22°C, you must prepare to move your reptile to somewhere secure that will ensure that the animal does not get too cold. This is where the pillowcases or reptile bags come in. Place your animal in an appropriately sized pillowcase or reptile bag. These bags will ensure that the animal cannot escape, while keeping it safe. Secure the opening of the bag using a zip tie. Some bags have strings, which can also be used. The more secure the bag is, the better.
Once your reptile is secure in its bag, the next step depends on what you feel comfortable with, and what space you have available, especially if you have more than one reptile. You can place your bagged reptile in an individual plastic container such as a deli cup, or plastic shoebox. Ensure that there are air holes. This box with your bagged reptile inside can be placed in your cooler. You can also place your bagged reptile directly in the cooler. This works best for large animals. If you have several small animals, or a few small and a few large animals, it is best to secure the smaller animals in boxes before placing them in the cooler. If you have multiple reptiles, use a marker to label the bags and containers for each animal.
Once your reptile is in the cooler, you can take one of your heat packs and secure it to the inside of the cooler's lid with packing tape. Be sure to read the instructions for the heat pack prior to using. It is important that the heat packs do not come in direct contact with your reptile, because they can get very hot and potentially injure the animal. With the heat pack, we are just hoping to raise the ambient temperature in the cooler to an appropriate level. Some species are more sensitive, but for many common pet species, aiming for a temperature between 22°C and 28°C will suffice.
If you have a thermometer with a temperature probe, you can place the probe inside the cooler near your reptiles, and attach the display to the outside of the cooler with some duct tape. This will help you to see if you should add an additional heat pack or swap them out over time. Note that some heat packs require oxygen to generate heat, so you may want to leave the lid propped open a tiny amount, or partially open the drain valve on the cooler, if it has one.
Having your reptile secured in the cooler means that you are ready to place the cooler in a part of your home that has a fairly stable temperature (a central location like a bathroom works), or you can easily evacuate your home with your reptile if needed.
When your reptile is in this cooler set up, try to minimize handling to no more than every other day. Some reptiles may need water every other day, and others are fine for a week or more with no water. Be sure that you are aware of your species' water needs. When you do handle your reptile, do it for as short a period as possible. You can fill empty bottle caps with water to offer a drink. Some reptiles like to drink from a misting bottle. Do not feed your reptile during this time. Most reptiles can go for days or weeks with no food, and the stress of the temporary housing may lead to digestive problems.
For longer periods of evacuation, if you have a secure plastic container, you can use it as a temporary home for small reptiles. It is very important that you ensure that the container is secure. Paper towel can be used as a substrate, and bottle caps work for a source of drinking water. Crumpled up paper towels, or a box from some packaged food like macaroni and cheese can even be used as a makeshift hide.
When it is safe to return your reptile to its home, do so as soon as possible, but still give the animal 48-72 hours before offering food. Watch your reptile closely over the next two to three weeks for signs of ill health, such as discharge from the nose or mouth, or regurgitation of food. See a veterinarian as soon as possible if you have any health concerns.
This content has been delivered to you for the OAVT's Emergency Preparedness Week, brought to you by Aon and The Personal.
