In Case of Disaster - Protect Your Pet!

Disasters often strike suddenly, while you are away from home. Everyone can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before a disaster happens. It is the best way to protect your family in case of a large-scale natural disaster or an emergency that causes you to temporarily evacuate your home. Every disaster plan must include your companion animals. You can improve your pet's chances for safety if you leave him/her inside, with collars and identification tags, when you go out. Consider an arrangement with a neighbor who would be willing to evacuate your pets in your absence. Make sure that person knows your animals, can locate your emergency supplies, has a key to your house, and has your phone numbers and instructions on how to reach you. IF YOU EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PET! Your animal's best protection is to be with you. However, evacuation shelters generally do not accept animals for public health and safety reasons, so plan ahead and research the following options: Call hotels and motels in your immediate area and a reasonable distance from home to see if they will accept pets and under what conditions. Contact local boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities. Ask friends and family members whether they will provide foster care for your pets. NOTE: Animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort. IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND.... Leaving your pet at home will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss, so make every effort to take your pet with you. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet behind, take the following precautions: Never leave your pet tied outside! Place your pet in a safe, secure room without windows but with good ventilation, such as a bathroom. Leave enough food for at least three days and a sufficient supply of water. Place water in large containers that are not easily knocked over. If you expect flooding, provide access to elevated spaces or counters. Leave familiar bedding and safe toys. Place a notice on your front door advising what pets are in the house and where they can be located. Provide a telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached, as well as the name and phone number of your veterinarian. Make sure pets are wearing proper collars and identification tags. If your pet is diabetic, epileptic, or requires other carefully timed medication, obtain a medical alert tag for their collar. Do not confine dogs and cats in the same space. Keep small animals and birds safely caged. REMEMBER: Keep up to date identification on your pets at all times. Use a properly fitted collar with an identification tag. Have current color photographs of your pet, showing any distinguishing markings. Keep them with your emergency supplies. If your pet becomes lost, these photographs will help identify him/her. If you know disaster is imminent, bring your pets inside immediately. Get your animals under control as quickly as possible, either using a leash or a carrier. Make sure your pet's vaccines are up to date, including any vaccines required by kennels if you are planning to board for your pet. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.