Here is a compiled list of suggested items for use in transport/rescue and disaster situations. Included are direct links for purchasing some of the products online as well as tips for making some of the items and their use. Feel free to send in your tips and suggestions. We’ve tried to source the least expensive online merchants for the suggested items. Most of the merchants offer upgraded shipment options. To view an item, click on the corresponding text or picture link.
| Things to have on-hand for occasional transports/rescues |
|---|
| | Item | Link | Description/Tips |
 | Catch Pole | Animal Control Pole | It is possible to make your own snare pole using pvc and cording. Avoid using thin wire or other materials that could injure the animal. For proper and humane use of snare poles, visit HSUS for more information. |
| Collapsible pet carrier | Fold Away Pet Carriers | tip: line carriers with rubber carpet liners to prevent slips and attach fiberglass screening to wire front and sides using hot glue to prevent injuries |
| Portable heat source | Power Inverters or air-activated heat packs | For use in shock, hypothermic and very young wildlife requiring supplemental heat. Power inverters allow turn your cigarette lighter into an outlet for most electrical devices like heating pads. |
 | Pillow case | | Good for “hooding” large animals and as temporary containment for smaller animals or birds. |
| Towels | | Use for capture/restraint and lining carriers |
| Animal Capture & Restraint |
|---|
| Animal stretchers | | use 6 feet of 1″ metal pipe, using canvas tarp cut to 2 1/2 by 5; on each side fold the canvas under by 2″ and sew using a double stitch. Slide the pipe into the double stitched channels of the canvas. Slide two pair of bicycle handles onto the ends. If restraints are needed, cut a half circle at 1′ below the ends of the canvas and feed velcro straps through. |
| Light weight throw net – Hoop net | | hula hoop with sewn with 3 feet of lightweight netting |
| fishing net | | Useful for any time of water rescue and avian capture. Paint metallic handles green so that they are less visible. |
| Cornering/coralling net | | using 4′ x 8′ section of netting attached to 2 4 1/2 pieces of 1′ pvc pole. Used for “walking” waterfowl, birds and small injured mammals into position to be captured. |
| Pet Carriers | | (carrier openings should be lined with fiberglass window screening to prevent injury and/or small mammal or bird escape. |
| Blankets | | |
| portable dog crates | Port-A-Crate Dog Crate | |
| Muzzles | Mesh Muzzle | |
| Collars | Single Layer Nylon Dog Collars | |
| Tranquilizer gun or pistol | | |
| General Items |
|---|
| Two-way radios | | (ecomonical and most have a 2 mile range) Good for coordinating on-site efforts during a rescue. |
| Flashlights | Amazon | |
| Wire cutters | Wire Cutters | These are important tools to have on hand for situations involving fence entanglement and fish hook removal. |
| Bolt cutters | Bolt Cutters | Beneficial when access is restricted by heavy chain or thick metal bars. |
| Shovel | Shovels | Point shovels work best for removing debris or dirt for access during a rescue. |
| Crowbar | Crowbars | Very useful for rescues involving removal of manhole covers, grates, etc. |
| Multitools | Leatherman | Multitools are extremely practical for almost all situations. They usually contain pliers, screwdrivers, knives ,etc. |
| Nylon rope | | |
| Tarps | 4.5 oz. Forest Green 8’x10′ Tarp | Useful for overhead protection from sun/rain during rescue, for use as a barrier, emergency stretchers, etc. |
| Portable generators | Generator | Can provide portable power for powering search lights, portable heating units, etc. |
| Absorbents | “10-pack 16″”x20″” Sorbent Pads” | Excellent for spills and for use on land (not water); they will contain and pick up spills of hazardous liquid chemicals including pesticides and hydrofluoric acid. |
| Euthanasia Supplies | | Quantities of sodium pentobarbital and supply of assorted syringes/needles for euthanasia purposes |
| Oil Containment | “8”” x 10-ft. 3M Oil Sorbent Booms (4/case)” | This product will make cleaning up an oil or chemical spill much faster and easier. The booms collect oil and continue to float even after fully saturated. |
| orange cones | “18”” Orange Safety Cone” | Smart item to have on hand when rescues occur near traffic areas. |
| digital cameras | Digital Cameras | |
| cell phones | | |
| binoculars | Binoculars |
