BE PREPARED

The best way to protect your family from a disaster is to have a written disaster plan.  If you have pets, your plan must include them.  Being prepared could save their lives and yours!

In a hurricane, if you live in a mobile home or in an area prone to flooding, YOU MUST EVACUATE, and your pet should NOT be left behind.  But, remember, highways will be very busy, so leave early!

In the event of a wildfire, hazardous materials release or other disaster, we strongly encourage you to TAKE YOUR PETS if evacuating an area.

Pets are not permitted in Red Cross Shelters (except for working dogs for challenged individuals).  Plan to go to a friend, relative, hotel or motel where your properly contained pet is welcome.  Do not wait until a disaster to do your research, it could cost your pet its life.

Take CPR and First Aid courses for people and this will work for your pets too.

SAFE PLACE FOR PETS

Prepare a list of veterinarians and boarding kennels who could shelter your pet in an emergency (include 24 hour phone numbers).

If you plan to go to a public shelter, make arrangements with a kennel, veterinarian or a dependable friend to keep your pet.

Contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) for "The Pet Book", a listing of hotels & motels which accept pets.  If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

If you do not live in a mobile home or flood plain area, and your home is secure, you do NOT have to evacuate, unless ordered to do so by local authorities.  Prepare your home with hurricane shutters and stay there!

DISASTER SUPPLIES FOR PETS

• Have a pet carrier for each pet, where you pet can stand and turn around in (for cats, have enough room for a small litter box inside).  Write your name, address and phone number, and the phone number of someone outside the area, on the carrier.

• Pet food, water, bowls, cat litter and box, medications, and manual can opener.

• Newspapers, plastic bags, cleanser and disinfectants to handle pet wastes.

• A cotton sheet to cover the carrier to keep your pet calm.

• First Aid Kit - ask your veterinarian for the supplies appropriate for your pet.

• Put together a "Disaster Planning Kit" for each pet:

  1. 1 gallon ziplock bag to hold all of the contents

  2. Sandwich size ziplock bags for pet treats and a small toy

  3. Medical history record for your pet

  4. Current picture of your pet (in case you become separated), with your name, address and phone numbers

  5. Collar and leash for dog and/or adjustable collar for cat

  6. Identification tag

  7. Any special information on your pet

• Always keep the kit updated and available!

AS THE DISASTER APPROACHES

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

• Stock up on pet food and supplies and ensure you disaster supplies are ready to take at a moments notice.

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

• Make sure all animals have current identification on them, including a phone number of a friend or relative outside the area (you can buy temporary tags or place the information on adhesive tape and write with an indelible pen, on the back of your pet's tag).

• DON'T FORGET:

  1. current rabies certificate and tag

  2. medical history

  3. all medications

  4. portable carrier (with identification)

  5. food, water and bowls

  6. litter and litter box for cats

  7. leash and collar for dog

  8. identification on you pet

  9. disaster planning kit

You may not be home if an evacuation order comes.  Find a trusted friend who is willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location.  This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where the pets should be, know where your disaster supplies and kits are, and have a key to your home.  Share your plan with friends and relatives.

BIRDS

Transport in a secure travel carrier.  Cover the carrier to provide the pet with additional security.  During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird's feathers often.  Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.  Provide fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.  If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently.  Keep the carrier in a quiet area.

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.

REPTILES

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, placed inside a secure carrier.  If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you.  Take a water bowl large enough for soaking and a heating pad.  When transporting lizards, follow the same instructions as for birds.

IF IT IS SAFE TO REMAIN AT HOME...

If you plan on "riding out the storm":

• Stock up on pet food, supplies and medications (to last at least 2 weeks).

• Place dry food in a sturdy waterproof container.

• Fill bathtub or use other non-spillable containers for animals to have water.

• Put pets in a prepared "safe" area of the home (without windows).

• OUTDOOR PETS SHOULD BE BROUGHT INDOORS!

• Birds must eat daily; put special food and water dispensers in cage.

• Keep dogs and cats separated, even if they are friends.

CAUTION!  If your pet is left outside, fallen power lines, debris, flooding, and displaced wildlife can be a danger to your pet.  Wildlife may become a nuisance and SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED.

AFTER THE DISASTER

The disaster will have altered your pet's normal scent markers and may cause them to get lost; so stay with them when they are outdoors.

Your pet will probably be disoriented and frightened.  Be patient and understanding; the situation is just as traumatic to them as to you.

Consult your veterinarian if any behavior or physical problems persist.

Fallen power lines, scattered debris, flooding and misplaced wildlife can be a danger to your pet.

Planning and preparation will enable you to care for your pet's safety in a disaster.  But, keep in mind that animals react differently under stress.  Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed.  Transport cats in carriers.  The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch.

This information is based on hurricanes, but can be used for any other threatening emergency (tornadoes, fires, hazardous materials release, etc.).  In any event, be a responsible pet owner. BE PREPARED!

SOURCE:  Orange County Animal Control publication 54-94 (rev 6/96)

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