In
the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the best way to protect your pets
is to evacuate them, too. Sometimes there is no way to tell how long the
evacuation may last, as people found out along the coast after Hurricane
Fran and Floyd. If the situation is too dangerous for you and your family to
remain in your home, then it is too dangerous for your pets to be left behind
Most American Red Cross
shelters do not permit pets. Service animals, such as seeing eye dogs, ARE
permitted in Red Cross shelters. Kennels and local animal shelters
may not be operational or may be full. Therefore, you should make
arrangements for your pet(s)
before disaster strikes.
What should you
do?
HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET
The first step in being prepared
to evacuate your pets is to have a safe place to take them. Contact hotels and
motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask if
"no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet
friendly" places, including phone numbers. Ask friends, relatives, or
others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.
Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter
your pets in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
ASSEMBLE A PORTABLE PET DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
The second step is to assemble pet disaster supplies to
be used in the event of an evacuation:
- Collar with an ID tag
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers (essential for
cats) to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals cannot escape.
Ensure that each carrier is marked with your name, phone #, and address.
- Food & water bowls
- Supply of pet food and water in plastic bottles - 3 day
supply
- Litter and litter box for cats
- Medications and medical records showing vaccination history
- First-aid kit
- Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
- Instructions for feeding schedules and diet, medications,
and any special needs
KNOW WHAT TO DO AS A DISASTER APPROACHES
Often, severe weather watches 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.
- Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to
take at a moment's notice
- Bring all pets into the house so that you will not have to
search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
- 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.
Remember that animals--even our sweet pets--react differently
under stress. Keep animals securely leashed or in carriers for their
protection
and yours.
IF PETS MUST BE LEFT BEHIND, TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
- Make sure each pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag.
- Confine your pets in a room, such as a bathroom, that does
not have windows but does have ventilation. Leave familiar toys and bedding.
Never turn pets loose to fend for themselves or leave a dog tied outside.
- Provide pets with plenty of water--when under stress an
animal can drink several gallons a day (fill buckets or a bathtub)--and a
large supply of dry food (wet food spoils quickly).
- Leave dogs together only if they are compatible and of
similar size. Always separate dogs from cats; even the friendliest of
pets can become enemies during times of stress.
- Post a notice on the front door stating that pets are
inside, telling where they can be located, and requesting the reader to notify
Animal Control or Emergency Management. Provide a telephone number where you
can be reached.
These steps should help you provide for your pet(s) in the
event of a disaster but REMEMBER: IF POSSIBLE, TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU!
When you return home, give your pets time to settle back into
their routine. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
