Pets and Natural Disasters

Disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods don't just affect you -- they also affect your pets. In the event of a disaster, do not leave companion animals behind. They are like small children, they cannot fend for themselves and rely on you for their safety.

There are many ways to be "Pet Prepared," but you must think ahead and start planning NOW. Contact your veterinarian or local Humane Society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency. Also, consult the lists below, so that you can be prepared for any weather emergency.

Before the Disaster

When preparing a family disaster plan, as you plan your evacuation strategy, don't forget your companion!
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations. It is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time. Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, hotels and motels, friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. But don't forget to contact the shelter or other refuge for your pet well ahead of time, and be sure that all parties agree on the care for your pet if you must evacuate.
Get a Rescue Alert Sticker, this will 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, the name of your veterinarian and your vet's phone number.
Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters will require proof of vaccines.
Have a current photograph. Should your pet become lost or separated from you, it is recommended to have photographs (approximately 6 to 10) of you and your pet for distribution to rescue, emergency, and shelter personnel. Be sure and keep these photos current especially if your pet is young. It is highly recommended that members of your family be in the photograph with your pet, should question of ownership become an issue.
Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around. It is not recommended to confine cats and dogs in the same carrier even if they are the best of friends. A disaster is stressful to all involved, including pets, and they may not act as they usually do together.

During the Disaster

Always bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
Reassure them and remain calm.
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up.
Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Be sure to call ahead to determine availability.

After the Disaster

Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home. Often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behaviour.
Be patient with your pet after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioural problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioural problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.
If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.

Pet Disaster Kit

proper identification including immunization records, ID tag and collar
current photos of your pet
adequate supply of pet food and treats, canned (pop top) or dry food preferred
can opener for any canned food
drinkable water, preferably stored in plastic bottles
pet medications and medical records in a waterproof container
sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
scooper, disposable litter trays (aluminium roasting pans are perfect), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags
blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
pet beds, toys and grooming items, if there is room
First Aid Kit - Basic Supplies: gauze pads, gauze roll/bandages, roll of cloth, thermometer, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, Q-tips, instant cold pack, rags/rubber tubing for tourniquet and a First Aid book
your veterinarian's name and contact information

Please don't leave them behind Video

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Helpful Links and Pet Friendly Hotels

HSUS Disaster Preparedness Resources: Information to help you prepare and protect your companion animals and livestock in the event of a disaster. There is also a manual that can help communities include animals in their disaster plans. There's even a quiz to help gauge your disaster preparedness IQ.
ASPCA - Disaster Preparedness: Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
American Red Cross - Animal Safety: Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes.
AVMA - Saving the Whole Family: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed this booklet to help you avoid having to leave your animals stranded in the event of a disaster or an evacuation.
petswelcome.com: Locate PET-FRIENDLY Hotels & Motels
Welcome to TravelPets: TravelPets.com - Your Free Online Directory to Pet Friendly Lodging Worldwide.
Pet Friendly Hotels - Official Pet Hotels: Official Pet Friendly Hotels Search offers complete lists of Pet Friendly Hotels in all Cities Worldwide.
Dog Friendly Hotels: Another resource to find dog friendly hotels
Noah's Wish - Saving Animals in Disasters: Noah's Wish is a unique animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to rescuing and sheltering animals in disasters, throughout the United States and Canada.

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EelKat EelKat Sep 24, 2008 @ 1:13 am

Great lens!

In 2006 we lost our home to a flood and ended up living in a *tent*-like lean-to thing, for 8 months. We took our pets with us. We could have gone to a local homeless shelter and lived indoors out of the snow, but there were no shelters that would allow us to bring our pets with us, and we opted instead to keep our family together, including the pets, which at that time meant 2 dogs and 9 cats.

We had no idea until that happened to us, that there was no local provision for pets when a disaster strikes. That is really a big issue for pet owners and an issue that really needs more talking about. People with pets should not be discriminated against like that.

We were lucky, we lost only our house and we still had our land and so we were able to keep our pets (and still have them today two years later), but most families are not so lucky.

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alslad alslad Sep 13, 2008 @ 2:02 am

Really enjoyed reading this lens. I remember once watching an "Animal Cops" special where the various SPCA teams from all over the USA came together on a rescue mission to save the animals that had been left behind. If everyone who reads this lens takes in some of the info, those guys won't have as much to do in the same situation - which I am sure they would be glad about! Thanks for adding it to the Gone to the Dogs Squidoo Group
Darren
www.squidoo.com/groups/gone-to-the-dogs

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bcarter bcarter Nov 25, 2007 @ 3:51 am

Great lens with info that I never even thought of. 5 stars all around.

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Comfortdoc Comfortdoc Nov 10, 2007 @ 10:39 pm

Thanks for including your lens in SquidAid. Very appropriate for the Humane Society. Great information for pet owners.