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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

PETS AND DISASTERS

• Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.  If you have more than one one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.  Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

     Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies.  Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.).

     Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport your pet safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.

• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.

• 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.

Know What to do as a Disaster Approaches

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance.  At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

• Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification.  Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area.  You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

     You may not be home when the evacuation order comes.  Find out if a trusted neighbour would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location.  This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home.

     If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be available to help, but discuss the possibility in advance.

     Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.  But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress.

     Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs and cats securely leashed.

     Transport dogs and cats in carriers where possible.

     Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off.  The most trustworthy pet may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch.

     And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.

     Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Caring For Birds In An Emergency 

     Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.  In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside.

     During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically.  Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

     Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.

     Have a photo for identification and leg bands.  If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently.

     Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area.  Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.

About Other Pets

Reptiles

     Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred to a more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.

     If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you.  Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad.

     When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.

Pocket Pets

     Small mammals (Hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered.  Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

Pet Owners Best Equipped to Determine "Normal" 

     Veterinary hospitals are presented with a very wide range of emergencies on a regular basis.  Obviously some emergencies can be more critical than others and knowing the difference can be difficult.

     Physical trauma (ie:  hit by a car) is one of the most common reasons for clients to contact veterinarians after hours.

     Many of these patients are in critical condition and require immediate life-saving therapy.

     Other presentations such as intermittent vomiting or a chronic cough might not be as critical but patient comfort and a fast resolution of the problem can be achieved through early intervention.

     A common definition fro abnormality or poor health is "the opposite of normal and good health".

     This definition appears simplistic, however, owners are the most qualified of anyone when it comes to deciding what normal behavior is in regards to their pet and therefore are the most qualified in recognizing abnormalities their pet is experiencing.

     Of course, if there is any doubt regarding the health of a pet, call a veterinarian for assistance.

     Some conditions can be handled over the phone and others require immediate assistance.

     As a rough guide, some normals for both cats and dogs are listed below.

     There is a wide range of environmental factors that can alter normals without a pathological condition being present.

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