Virtually every location on earth is vulnerable to catastrophy. None of us are immune, whether fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, hazardous spill... *and* the possible resulting loss of power, phone lines, availability of supplies, even our homes.

They are part of our family... it is essential that we plan ahead for our pets' safety as well as our own. While planning may seem unnecessary now, when disaster strikes, all public resources and lines of communication become overburdened. Making provisions now will lessen the confusion and stress when disaster does strike. These simple preparations are vital for your animals' safety and your peace of mind.

Due to lack of awareness and planning ahead, many owners leave their animals behind to fend for themselves.   It is unlikely those pets will survive on their own.



*Please* take your pets with you.
== DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM! ==

According to FEMA's course, Animals in Disasters, a promotion of personal responsibility of animal owners and care providers: "Why should emergency management officials be concerned with animals in disasters? After all, they are responsible for the safety of humans, not animals. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 58.9 percent of all U. S. households own animals. For this reason, the care of animals in disasters is important to the care of humans." Read: HSUS & FEMA's Historic Agreement



PERFORM THESE CHECKLISTS
BEFORE THEY'RE NEEDED


PREPAREDNESS KIT FOR PETS:

  • Well-fitting collar/leash with current rabies, license and ID tags
    (The importance of ID tags with your name/address/phone# cannot be overly stressed)
  • Color photo of your pet
  • Current health records in zipper-locked plastic bags.
    (Boarding facilities will require proof of current distemper and rabies immunization)
  • Place a sticker on entry doors to alert fire, police, rescue workers that there are animals inside, also listing pet name(s) and favorite hiding places.
  • Portable pet carriers and bedding
  • Litter box & litter, -or- 'pooper-scooper'
  • Filled food and water containers: several days supply
  • Food/water bowls
  • Favorite toy/bones, etc.
  • Special-needs medicines and supplies
  • Blankets
  • First Aid kit
  • Flea/Tick spray/powder
  • Portable radio: Listen for PSA's re: available boarding

VERIFY PET-FRIENDLY FACILITIES/LODGINGS:

  • Boarding kennels
  • Veterinary hospitals w/boarding kennels
  • Motels/Hotels
  • Friends/Family
  • Emergency Management
  • City halls, meeting halls
  • Emergency animal shelters may be set up at fairgrounds, in fields, etc.


Disaster Phases:

BEFORE:   Gifted with heightened senses we don't have, pets can become confused, agitated and fearful even before a natural disaster strikes. Be alert for your pet acting strangely. For greater control in keeping pets from bolting in panic, secure them as soon as possible by leash or pet carrier.

DURING and AFTER:   Check with local health services and animal hospitals re: any diseases spreading as a result of the disaster, and their suggested preventative measures.



Disaster Preparedness For Your Pet  Links: