The single most important thing that you can do to protect
your pets if you evacuate is to take your pets with you! If
it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not
safe for your pets.
·
Evacuate early. If you are evacuated by emergency officials
at the last minute then you may be forced to leave your pets
behind for various reasons.
·
No matter how long you think you will be gone, take your
pets with you. Disasters can easily take a turn for the
worst and you may end up away from home longer than
expected.
·
Pets do not do well on their own in times of disaster as
they are dependant on humans for everything. They can easily
become lost, injured or even killed if they are left to fend
for themselves. Chaining pets up outdoors or letting them
loose is not a safe option for the pet or the surrounding
community.
KNOW YOUR PET’S NEEDS
Each pet is unique and only you as the owner knows what they
do and do not need in times of great distress. Below is a
guideline for a disaster kit for your pet. Add and eliminate
as needed for each pet.
·
Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof
container) and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also
good to include.
For information about the Humane Society of the United
States’ (HSUS) book, Pet
First Aid: Cat and Dogs, call (202) 454-1100.)
·
Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets
safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. (Carriers
should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably,
turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the
carrier for hours at a time.)
·
Current photos of your pet for identification in case your
pet gets lost.
·
Food, water, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a
manually-operated can opener.
·
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions,
behavior problems, and the name and number of your
veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place
them in foster care.
·
Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them.
·
Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic
trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Before a disaster research the different shelters that are
available in your community where you can place your pets
during a disaster. Learn any rules or restrictions that they
may have and adjust your Disaster Kit accordingly. Always
remember that most shelters do not allow animals, so you
must plan ahead.
Here are some preferred options for providing for your pets
in a disaster outside of an emergency shelter:
Hotels/motels, friends, kennels, local animal shelter,
veterinarian clinic and family outside of the impacted
community.
DON’T FORGET I.D.
Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all
times. It's a good idea to include a number of a friend or
relative outside your immediate area. If possible, have your
pets micro-chipped as it is the most effective form of
identification for lost pets.
For more information on micro-chipping, please visit:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/common_questions_about_microchips.html
REMEMBER!
Keep physical control of your pet at all times. Pets can
become very confused and hard to handle during times of
disaster and may not respond to voice commands no matter how
well they are trained!
For a complete brochure on Pets in Disaster please check out
Ready.gov at
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/pets.pdf
Another good resource for pet disaster information can be
found at the HSUS website:
www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
