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Are you prepared for a disaster?
If a disaster strikes are you prepared to provide for your pet? Most disasters occur with little or no warning. Planning ahead is the key to survival in the event that you must evacuate your home.
If at all possible, make arrangements to take your pet with you.
Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets
other than assistance or guide dogs
because of health and safety reasons.
Make calls now to determine available boarding facilities and their requirements. Check with veterinary facilities for boarding availability. Contact friends or relatives out of the immediate area who might be willing to take your pets temporarily.
Under no circumstances should you leave your pet outside or in an unattended vehicle!
Have on hand pet carriers or crates for each pet. They should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in.
Make certain that your pet's vaccinations are current, especially for rabies. Have certificates ready to take with you if you must evacuate.
Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitted collar with current license and rabies tags and an identification tag. Have a leash on hand to control your pet.
Have in readiness the following supplies:
- Food and water bowls
- Ample dry pet food in waterproof containers
- Ample supply of special medications (consider expiration date and rotate in emergency supply pack)
- Litter and litter pans for cats
- Newspapers, towels, bags for disposal of pet wastes, cleaners and disinfectants
- A current photo of each pet. This is especially helpful for identifying your pet if you should become separated.
Leaving your pet at home alone will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss. However, if you must leave your pets behind, take the following precautions:
- Prepare an area for your pet inside such as bathrooms and utility rooms, well away from windows.
- Do not confine cats and dogs in the same area, even if normally they are friendly. Keep small animals and birds securely caged.
- Make sure all pets are wearing well-fitted collars with the proper identification.
- Leave enough dry food for at least three days in sturdy, non-spillable containers.
- Water should be left in clean, sturdy containers that will not tip over.
- Birds must eat daily to survive. Leave their food in dispensers that regulate the amount of food and provide extra water.
- Place notices on all doors advising what pets are in the house and where they are located.
- Hang leashes where they can readily be found.
- Provide a telephone number or location where you can be reached and the name and number of your vet.
Following a disaster:
Do not allow your pet outdoors alone for several days. Familiar sights and sounds may be gone and your pet could become confused and lost. Downed power lines and animals roaming at large may pose a threat to your pet's safety.
Do not allow your pet to drink outdoors from any open water supply until you are told by your authorities that the water is safe. Provide your pet with bottled water.
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