ARE YOU READY ?

Preparing Your Pets

Your pets are part of the family, so do not forget to include them as part of your overall disaster planning. You need to consider what you will do if you choose not to evacuate (what you will need for your pets) and also what you need if you do plan to evacuate. It is always recommended that you take your pets with you if you evacuate. Please be aware that public shelters do not allow you to keep your pets with you, due to health, safety, and space concerns, unless they are service or guide dogs (please check with your office of emergency preparedness for more information).

Before a Disaster Strikes

You will need information on how to prepare your pets before a disaster strikes. Speak to your veterinarian or contact your local SPCA or animal shelter and inquire about specific information regarding emergency or disaster planning for pets. Do not assume that you can drop off your pet at the vet before evacuating. Ask about this. The vet may also be evacuating, and there may be no one there to take care of your pet. Make certain you have a copy of all vital medical information concerning your pet and bring with you when evacuating. Know when your pet needs to get vaccinations, health checkups, and make certain that all is up to date. Find out if there are animal shelters which will take animals during an emergency.

If you choose not to evacuate, or cannot evacuate, decide on safe locations in your home where you could leave your pet in an emergency. I recommend areas that are easy to clean with no carpeting such as a utility room or bathroom. Make certain there is enough fresh water for your pets. Also keep enough dry pet food on hand. Get really sturdy pet dishes which won't turn over easily. Remember to keep pets away from hazards such as windows. In case of flooding, the location should have access to high counters that pets can escape to. Set up two separate locations if you have dogs and cats.

If you plan to evacuate, I recommend that you purchase a pet carrier. Ask the sales person to assist you with purchasing the correct size. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn around insider the carrier. It is also advisable to train your pet to stay in the carrier so that it will feel comfortable there. Ask you vet how to handle pets on special diets or medications if you are not able to evacuate. If you will evacuate, make certain you purchase enough pet food and medications prior to leaving.

Your pet's identification is extremely important. You probably heard of hundreds of pets who were left alone during and after Hurricane Katrina, many without any identification. You could go high tech and have a "microchip" embedded in your pet with all of its vital information. This can be done at your vet's office. Or simpler, you can have an identification tag with your pet's name, your name, and a contact phone number (try to also have a second contact number outside of the area where you live, in case the phones are not working in your area). Use a nylon or leather collar instead of a "choke" collar if you are leaving your pet alone. DO NOT tie your dog to a fence during a storm. Another great idea is to purchase a dog tag which has a flash drive as part of the tag, which can be removed and placed in a computer (USB port) showing all of your pet's information. One such product is Top Tag Pet ID, which, for around $40, might be well worth the price.

Find out beforehand, motels and hotels outside of your area who will accept pets in an emergency. Here are good websites to find out more about pet-friendly hotels and motels:

www.petswelcome.com
www.pets-allowed-hotels.com
www.travelpets.com

How Will You Evacuate?

Seems like a question you wouldn't need to ask. Surely, you will put your pet in your car and be on your way. But what about those people who are unable to evacuate by car, do not drive, or don't own a car? How will you take your pets with you? This was a major concern after Hurricane Katrina, when many people refused to evacuate without their beloved pets. They had no way of leaving without a means of safely taking their pets with them. This is the time to seriously consider how you will evacuate and still be able to take your pets if you are unable to evacuate by car. Would you have to fly out of town? Have you checked with various airlines to find out about their pet policy? Some airlines will not allow you to have a pet in cargo if the ground temperature is too hot or cold. Certain breeds of dogs, particularly those with flat (short) noses such as pugs, lhasa apsos, etc. may be prohibited on certain airlines because they may have breathing problems. Have you thought this through? Did you know that commercial buses and trains do not accept pets unless they are service dogs?

When I evacuate, I usually fly out of town, since I do not drive long distances. After Hurricane Katrina, my dog was moved from a local animal hospital near New Orleans, where I had boarded him prior to the storm to a university-affiliated veterinary center in Baton Rouge. I evacuated to New York. I used the company, www.wemovepets.com to get my beloved dog from Baton Rouge to New York. It was my best option. My dog did well and I was truly appreciative of their service. You might want to check them out and other pet transporters on the Internet as well.

During a Disaster Emergency

Many times pets are aware of impending storms and you will see their behavior change. Be aware of this. Also know that pets can be just as afraid of storms as humans. Bring your pets in from outside, and once again, NEVER leave them tied up outside. It is recommended that you separate pets of different species (dogs and cats). Even though they may usually get along, in emergency situations, pets can get very anxious and may behave irrationally.

If you have pets other than dogs and cats, such as birds, reptiles, etc. please check with your veterinarian about how to prepare them for emergencies. Ask about how often they must be fed, if there are special food dispensers you can purchase, and any additional information about their cage or sleeping environment.

After a Disaster

Hopefully you took your pets with you if you have to leave town. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own for extended periods of time. In the first few days after the disaster, you may want to keep your pet on a leash especially when you put them outside. It is best to keep a close eye on your pets for the first few days after a disaster. Pets may become disoriented since familiar scents and landmarks may be altered due to the disaster. In addition, other animals, such as snakes, alligators, rats, may now have entered the area, especially in flooded areas. You want to keep an eye on your pets if there are any hazardous objects in your yard or near your property, such as downed electrical power lines, potholes, etc. Watch for any significant changes in your pet's behavior. You may need to report this to the veterinarian. Reintroduce their usual foods slowly. Make certain they have access to fresh food and water. The Humane Society of the United States offers disaster planning tips for pets, livestock and wildlife.

Remember to include with your disaster plan a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you concerning your pet's welfare - include your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, local agricultural or veterinary schools and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure and easily accessible place.