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Pets Emergency Preparedness and Response
When disaster hits, whether a wild fire or flooding, there is NO TIME to plan or to run around gathering things. Usually there are only minutes to hours to act accordingly. During this time are more reliant on their owners for their health and safety. For this reason, it is imperative that you include your pets when preparing for an emergency.
If prepared correctly, then you can minimize some of the confusion or panic symptoms and can act rationally. When the disaster hits (with prior drills) you will know what to do and will most likely be able to deal with the situation easily.
There is an old saying (at least that we know of) that helps us in so many ways. This saying will hopefully put everything into perspective: Prior, Proper, Planning, Prevents, Piss, Poor, Performance! So, what are the three major things you can do? 1) Be Informed 2) Make a plan! and 3) Build a kit
Be Informed
This is one of the best things that can give you a great head start. By having this information in advance, you can prepare or have in place the resources you need.
Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place. Disasters can include Power/Water Interruptions, Heat related issues, Monsoon Storms, Dust Storms, Fires and Road Wash Outs;
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV, radio and follow mobile alert and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area. Make sure you get the kind that runs on water, crank style or have 3 or 4 sets of batteries (check every 6 months);
Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States. Most mobile phones have an emergency notification system so make sure it's on.
Make a Plan
Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:
Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.;
Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.;
Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit;
Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter;
Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger!
If You Have Large Animals
If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.
Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.
Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit;
Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter;
Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
Take extra time to observe livestock, looking for early signs of disease and injury. Severe cold-weather injuries or death primarily occur in the very young or in animals that are already debilitated.
Animals suffering from frostbite don’t exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.
Animals suffering from frostbite don’t exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.
Make sure your livestock has the following to help prevent cold-weather problems:
Plenty of dry bedding to insulate vulnerable udders, genitals and legs from the frozen ground and frigid winds.
Windbreaks to keep animals safe from frigid conditions.
Plenty of food and water.
Build a Kit
Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list or download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners-Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List (PDF) to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.
Your kit should include:
Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
Water (at least three-days of water specifically for your pets)
Medicines
Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)
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