Disaster Preparedness for Pets
Pets enrich the lives of individuals and families in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us, their owners, for their safety and well being. The best way to ensure the safety of your family is to be prepared with a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan includes your pets. It’s important for people with pets or service animals to take steps ahead of time to keep them as safe as possible during a disaster or other emergency. The American Red Cross offers the following tips to help people with pets and service animals prepare for a disaster:
How do I prepare?
Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either.
- Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
- Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.
- Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
- Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
- Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
- Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely-fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease. After evacuating, add the temporary shelter location on the back of the pet’s ID tag.
- Consider having your pet “micro-chipped” by your veterinarian.
What Should I Do?
Assemble a portable emergency preparedness kit for pets. Store items in a sturdy container that can be carried easily (plastic bin, duffle bag), and make sure to include:
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets and service animals safely and ensure they can’t escape
- Food, Drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and manual can opener
- Medications and medical records (including veterinarian’s contact information) in a waterproof container
- Pet’s first aid kit
- Current photos of pets in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
- Information on feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
- Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable and space permits.
Know what to do as the disaster approaches.
- Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet
- Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets
- Ensure that all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification
- Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice
- Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly
Make Extra Plans for Birds, Small Mammals, and Large Animals
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. 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 photo 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 case or carrier.
Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.
Large Animals (horses or cattle) require more time and planning. Start evacuations of large animals, such as horses or cattle, as early as possible to ensure time to escape the storm. Remember, it may be difficult to maneuver large animal transport vehicles in evacuation traffic.
After a Disaster…
- The behavior of pets may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive, so be aware of their well-being and protect them from hazards to ensure the safety of other people and animals.
- Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control as fences and gates may have been damaged.
- Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally allow them to find their way home.
- Be aware of hazards at nose and paw or hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers and other substances that might not seem to be dangerous to humans.
- Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
Learn First Aid for Your Pets
Dogs and cats are more than pets — they’re family. And just like any other family member, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. That’s why the American Red Cross has developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid, comprehensive guides to help keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to managing cardiac emergencies and preparing for disasters, these guides offer information pet owners can trust.
Contact your local chapter to purchase guide books and first aid kits or log on to the Red Cross Store to see all available products.
For more information on hurricane preparedness visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.
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