Pets and Disasters
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Make arrangements for your pets as part of your household
disaster planning. If you must evacuate your home, Always take
your pets with you. But remember pets will not be allowed in
public emergency shelters.
BEFORE
Contact your local animal shelter, humane society,
veterinarian or emergency management office for information on
caring for pets in an emergency. Find out if there will be any
shelters set-up to take pets in an emergency. Also, see if your
veterinarian will accept your pet in an emergency.
Decide on safe locations in your house where you could leave
your pet in an emergency.
You will need a pet carrier that allows your pet to stand up
and turn around inside. Put familiar itemssuch as the pet's
normal bedding and favorite toys inside. Train your pet to become
comfortable with the carrier. Use a variety of training methods
such as feeding it in the carrier or placing a favorite toy or
blanket inside.
If your pet is on medication or a special diet, find out from
your veterinarian what you should do in case you have to leave it
alone for several days. Try and get an extra supply of
medications.
Make sure your pet has a properly fitted collar that includes
current license and rabies tags.
- Including an identification tag that has your name,
address, and phone number.
- If your dog normally wears a chain link
"choker" collar, have a leather or nylon collar
available if you have to leave him alone for several
days.
Keep your pet's shots current and know where the records are.
Most kennels require proof of current rabies and distemper
vaccinations before accepting a pet.
Contact motels and hotels in communities outside of your area
and find out if they will accept pets in an emergency.
When assembling emergency supplies for the household, include
items for pets.
- Extra food (The food should be dry and relatively
unappealing to prevent overeating. Store the food in
sturdy containers.)
- Large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
Trained Guide Dogs
In most states, trained guide dogs for the blind, hearing
impaired or handicapped will be allowed to stay in emergency
shelters with their owners. Check with local emergency management
officials for more information.
DURING
Bring your pets inside immediately.
Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will
often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside
early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside
or tied up during a storm.
Separate dogs and cats.
Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of
an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.
Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
If you evacuate and plan to take your pets, remember to bring
your pet's medical records and medicines with your emergency
supplies.
Birds must eat daily to survive. In an emergency, you may have
to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local
pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount
of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the
cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and
filtered light.
AFTER
If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets
with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when
they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents
and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and
lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought
into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard.
The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency.
Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or
defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a
fenced yard with access to shelter and water.
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