The following information has been
prepared by the
Humane Society of the United States in cooperation
with the American Red Cross
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.
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.
In the event of a
disaster, if you must evacuate, the most
important thing you can do to protect your
pets is to evacuate them, too.
Leaving pets behind, even if you try to
create a safe place for them, is likely to
result in their being injured, lost, or
worse. So prepare now for the day
when you and your pets may have to leave
your home.
1. 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 who assist people with
disabilities are the only
animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.
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.
- 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 other disaster
information and supplies. If
you have notice of an impending
disaster, call ahead for
reservations.
- 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.
- Prepare a list of
boarding facilities and
veterinarians who could shelter
animals in an emergency; include
24-hour phone numbers.
- Ask local animal
shelters if they provide emergency
shelter or foster care for pets in a
disaster. Animal shelters 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.
2. 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 (duffle bags, covered
trash containers, etc.). Your pet
disaster supplies kit should
include:
- Medications and
medical records (stored in a
waterproof container) and a first
aid kit.
- Sturdy leashes,
harnesses, and/or carriers to
transport pets safely and ensure
that your animals can't escape.
- Current photos
of your pets in case they get
lost.
- Food, potable
water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and
can opener.
- 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.
- Pet beds and
toys, if easily transportable.
3. Know What To Do
As a 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.
- 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
won't 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. 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 they can
run off. The most
trustworthy pets may panic,
hide, try to escape, or even
bite or scratch. And,
when you return home, give
your pets time to settle
back into their routines.
Consult your veterinarian if
any behavior problems
persist.
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.
About
Other Pets
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.
Pocket Pets
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.
A Final Word
If you must
evacuate, do
not leave your
animals
behind.
Evacuate 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,
Disaster
Services, 2100
L Street NW,
Washington, DC
20037.
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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