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Pet Disaster Preparedness (Guidelines in Accordance With the Red Cross)

The following information and been provided by The American Red Cross. To learn more.

During an emergency situation, your dog will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being. Creating a disaster plan for your family should always include your pets too! Here are a few tips that have been provided by the Red Cross that can help you and your family stay safe during a critical emergency.

Assemble an Emergency Kit for Your Dog

Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers so that they can be carried easily.

Your kit should include:

Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
A first aid kit.
Current photos of you with your dog(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
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.

Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Pet

The best way to protect your household 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.

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Dog

If you have to evacuate your home during a disaster, the best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind then it’s not safe to leave pets behind either.

Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept dogs in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
Include your dogs in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
Make sure that your dogs vaccinations are current and that all are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

Help Emergency Workers Find Your Pets

The ASPCA recommends using a rescue sticker alert » to let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household and your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets (and if time allows) write “EVACUATED” across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.

Help Pets Recover After an Emergency

Your pet’s behavior may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive. Be aware of their well being and protect them from hazards to ensure the safety of other people and animals.

Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control as fences and gates may have been damaged.
Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally allow them to find their home.
Be aware of hazards at nose and paw or hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers and other substances that might not seem to be dangerous to humans.
Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Resources

Pet Disaster Preparedness (Guidelines in Accordance With the Red Cross)

Assemble an Emergency Kit for Your Dog

Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Pet

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Dog

Help Emergency Workers Find Your Pets

Help Pets Recover After an Emergency

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