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Disaster Planning for Pets and Animals |
| Often forgotten about when preparing an emergency preparedness plan, our pets and animals require the same diligent planning we undergo for our family. To some, these pets are their family. In general terms you must always provide food, water, identification, documentation, first aid/medications and cleaning supplies for your animals that must be evacuated. Congress recently introduced the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which would require state and local authorities to make plans for people and their animals to safely flee in a disaster. Check your town's evacuation policies and lobby to have them changed if they do not accommodate animals. |
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| Typical evacuation areas are local fair grounds or race tracks and animal rescue facilities. Having friends outside the affected area that could care for your pets is probably your best option assuming you can evacuate to their safe location. If not, you should receive information from the local authorities during the evacuation warning process as to where to deliver your pets and large animals. |
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You should have an emergency preparedness plan to evacuate your large animals as well which generally requires a trailer. If you don't have a trailer, you need to find a friend or neighbor who could assist you in an emergency. Local pet rescue organizations or search and rescue groups may also be a source of transportation for your large animals. If you board you horses at a third-party ranch or stable, ensure they have your emergency contact information and that they have an emergency preparedness plan for evacuating your horse in the case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to call local animal rescue groups to understand what their capabilities may be in an emergency and where their facilities are prior to needing them. |
During a disaster, bring your pets inside immediately to keep them from wandering away should fences or other enclosures be compromised. NEVER LEAVE A PET OUTSIDE OR TIED UP DURING A STORM! If you have no alternative when evacuating but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take: but remember leaving your pet at home can place them in danger. Confine you pet to a safe area inside. Place a notice outside your home in a visible area, advising what pet(s) is in or on the property and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. If you are not available to evacuate your pet(s) consider having a neighbor or pet sitting service collect your animal(s) for evacuation.
DO NOT CUT ANIMALS LOOSE during a disaster. Domestic animals do not know how to "save themselves." They may continue to run succumbing to heat exhaustion in their panic. Others may remain where things are familiar, even with a safer location nearby.
Following a disaster, make sure that your pets are controlled on a leash when they go outside. Familiar scents and landmarks may have been altered and your pet could become confused and get lost. Other lost pets may be wandering around as well, and you don't want your pets coming into contact with other animals that may be carrying diseases. The behavior of your pets may also change following a disaster. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch your pets closely for such signs.
Depending upon your pet or large animal, you should consider the following for inclusion in your pet survival kits:
Food/Water - For smaller pets provide at least a 3 day supply in an airtight container. Rotate this food supply at least every 3 months. Remember a feeding bowl. For larger animals provide at least one week's supply of food as they may not be as easy to transport thus taking longer to relocate back home.
Identification - Ensure pets are licensed (as appropriate), vaccinated and identified with your contact information. It is suggested that the identification include your cell phone number (since your home phone likely will be useless during or after a disaster) and HAM radio call sign if you have one. IDs should be attached to collars or a leg band in the case of a bird. With larger animals, a brand may suffice as identification but in an emergency your name or cell phone number could be spray painted on their coat in an area where they could not lick the paint. A cleaner option is to consider permanent microchip identification. Keep current photos of your pets and remember to photograph them from both sides and the front to ensure you capture unique identifying marks or colors. Remember to include yourself in one of the photos to assist in proof of ownership.
Documentation - Along with your personal documentation that you maintain for an emergency, keep current records of your animal's vaccinations. For dogs ensure they are current with their rabies, bordetella and DHTP vaccinations. For cats ensure their rabies, feline leukemia and FVRCP vaccinations are current. For horses ensure they are current with their West Nile, 3-way (eastern & western encephalomyelitis and tetanus) and Rhino-flu vaccinations. For other cattle it is best to consult with your large animal vet for local recommendations.
Medications - Make sure you have a first aid kit appropriate for the pet you are evacuating. Include at least one week's supply of any medications the animal requires. Having written directions for the administration of medications could prove useful if your pet is placed in a temporary animal shelter so volunteers can properly take care of your pet. In addition to the basic gauze pads, vet wrap and topical ointments often required, consider hoof protection for your horse in case they throw a shoe.
Cleaning Supplies - Considering the animal you may be evacuating, ensure you have ample cleaning supplies to ensure good hygiene and sanitation for both you and the animal. Certainly paper towels and plastic bags would be useful. |
- Pooper scooper and/or small plastic bags
- Crate or portable kennel
- Collar with ID tags, leash and possibly a screw stake with cable
- Favorite toy to play with
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- Extra litter box, scooper and one week's supply of litter
- Crate or portable cage
- Collar with ID tags and leash
- Favorite toy to play with
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| Birds, Reptiles & Rabbits |
Horses, Swine & Cattle |
- At least one week's supply of cage liners
- Long handled net, heavy towel and blanket
- Cage or enclosed carrier
- Extra water bowls
- Snakes could be transported in a pillow case but must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach an evacuation site.
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- Halter and lead rope for each animal
- Extra feeding bucket, water bucket, salt lick and tie-out
- Clean garbage cans for large quantities of water and consider a hand pump to obtain water should power be interrupted.
- Two week's supply of bedding materials
- Portable corrals or high-line
- Manure fork
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