Caring for Pets in an emergency
Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can
count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and
well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect
your pets when disaster strikes.
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Be Prepared with a
Disaster Plan
The best way to protect your family from the effects of
a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet
owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared
can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But
whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous
spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
If
you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do
to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving
them behind, even if you try to create a safe place, is
likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse.
So prepare now.
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Have a Safe
Place to Take Your Pets
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because
of states' health and safety regulations and other
considerations. Service animals that assist people with
disabilities are the only exception. It may be
difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your
animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do
not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
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Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area
to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions
on number, size and species. Ask if "no pet" policies
could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet
friendly" places, including phone numbers, with your
other disaster information and supplies. If you have
notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for
reservations.
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Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected
area whether they could shelter your animals. If you
have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable
if kept together, but be prepared to house them
separately.
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Prepare a list of boarding facilities and
veterinarians who could shelter animals in an
emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
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Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency
shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. They
may be overburdened caring for the animals they
already have as well as those displaced by a disaster,
so this should be your last resort.
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Assemble a Portable
Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week,
you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an
accessible place and store them in sturdy containers
that can be carried easily (duffel bags, covered trash
containers). Your pet disaster supplies kit should
include:
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Medications and medical records (stored in a
waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
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Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to
transport pets safely and ensure that your animals
can't escape.
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Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
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Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter and pan, and
can opener.
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Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions,
behavior problems and the name and number of your
veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your
pets.
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Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
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Know What To Do as a
Disaster Approaches
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Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in
advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect
your pet.
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Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements
for you and your pets.
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Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready
to take at a moment's notice.
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Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have
to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
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Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and
securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach
the phone number and address of your temporary
shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative
outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags
or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag,
adding information with an indelible pen.
You may not be home when the evacuation order comes.
Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take
your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This
person should be comfortable with your pets, know where
your animals are likely to be, know where your pet
disaster supplies kit is kept and have a key to your
home. If you use a petsitting service, they may be
available to help, but discuss the possibility well in
advance.
Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate
with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that
animals react differently under stress. Outside your
home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed.
Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals
unattended anywhere, as they can run off. The most
trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape or even
bite or scratch. When you return home, give your pets
time to settle back into their routines. Consult your
veterinarian if any behavioral problems persist.
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Caring for Birds in an Emergency
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or
carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the
carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside.
During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the
birds' feathers periodically. Do not put water inside
the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of
fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the
carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels
and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a
quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or
carrier.
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Reptiles
Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must
be transferred to more secure housing when they reach
the evacuation site. If your snakes require frequent
feedings, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large
enough for soaking, as well as a heating pad. When
transporting house lizards, follow the same directions
as for birds.
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Pocket Pets
Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils) should be transported
in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals
while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls and
water bottles.
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A Final Word
If
you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind.
Take them to a prearranged safe location if they cannot
stay with your during the evacuation period. Remember,
pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters. If there is
a possibility that disaster may strike while you are out
of the house, there are precautions you can take to
increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are
not a substitute for evacuating with your pets. For more
information, contact
The Humane
Society of the United States.
In
a statement of understanding, The American Red Cross
recognizes The Humane Society of the United States as
the nation's largest animal protection organization
responsible for the safety and well-being of animals,
including disaster relief. The American Red Cross is
committed to transforming the caring and concern of the
American people into immediate action.
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This information was prepared by the
Humane
Society of the United States in cooperation with the
American Red Cross. |
