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Plan
Ahead. In
the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed
inside human emergency shelters. Determine the
best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster.
Identify an off-site location as well as a place
in your home.
Contact
hotels and motels outside your immediate
area to check policies
on accepting pets and restrictions
on number, size, and species. Ask
if "no pet" policies could
be waived in an emergency. Keep a
list of "pet friendly" places,
including phone numbers, with other
disaster information and supplies.
If you have notice of an impending
disaster, call ahead for reservations.
Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether
they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they
may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house
them separately.
Prepare a list of boarding
facilities and veterinarians who could
shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone
numbers.
Ask local
animal shelters if they
provide emergency shelter or foster care
for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters
may be overburdened caring for the animals
they already have as well as those displaced
by a disaster, so this should be your
last resort.
Identification
and Photographs. Dogs
and cats should always wear properly fitting
collars, personal identification, rabies,
and license tags. Make sure all the information
on the tags is current. Keep a current
photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing
markings are visible. You will need proof
of ownership to retrieve your pet from
a shelter.
- Often,
warnings are issued hours, even days,
in advance. At the first hint of disaster,
act to protect your pet.
- Call
ahead to confirm emergency shelter
arrangements for you and your pets.
- Check
to be sure your pet disaster supplies
are ready to take at a moment's notice.
- Bring
all pets into the house so that you
won't have to search for them if you
have to leave in a hurry.
- Make
sure all dogs and cats are wearing
collars and securely fastened, up-to-date
identification. Attach the phone number
and address of your temporary shelter,
if you know it, or of a friend or relative
outside the disaster area. You can
buy temporary tags or put adhesive
tape on the back of your pet's ID tag,
adding information with an indelible
pen.
- If
at all possible, take your pet with
you when you evacuate. Even if you
think you may be gone only for a few
hours, take your animals. Once you
leave, you have no way of knowing how
long you'll be kept out of the area,
and you may not be able to go back
for your pets.
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If
you take your pet:
- Evacuate
your pet early, if posible.
- Take
your disaster preparedness kit,
including the pet's vaccination
and medical records, as well
as identification photographs
with you.
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If
you can't take your pet with you:
- Bring
your pet indoors. Do not leave
pets chained outdoors.
- Prepare
a preselected site indoors for
your pet. Use a room with no windows
but adequate ventilation, such
as a utility room, garage, bathroom,
or other area that can be easily
cleaned. Do not tie them up.
- Leave
only dry foods and fresh water
in non-spill containers. If possible,
open a faucet to let water drip
into a large container or partially
fill a bathtub with water.
- Do
not leave vitamin treats, which
could be fatal if over-eaten.
- House
cats and dogs separately, even
if they normally get along.
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- Pet
behavior may change after an emergency.
Monitor your pets closely and keep them
leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks
may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal
behavior.
- Be
aware of downed power lines, fallen trees,
debris, and local wildlife.
- If
you find a pet, call animal control or
any emergency phone numbers set up after
the disaster. Isolate it from your animals
until it is returned to its owner, or can
be examined by a veterinarian.
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If
you've lost your pet:
- Visit
each shelter in your area at least
once every other day. You must
check the shelter in person; you
are the only person who can truly
identify your animal.
- Keep
a current photo of your pet showing
or describing any distinctive markings.
- Create
a flyer with your pet's photo and
description, pet's name, your name
and phone numbers where you can
be reached.
- When
you do find your pet, immediately
examine it for illness or injuries.
Obtain medical attention from your
veterinarian if needed. Use caution
when handling animals. Panicky
or injured animals may bite.
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Animal
Disaster Preparedness for Other Pets
Caring
for Birds in an Emergency
Birds
should be transported in
a secure travel cage or
carrier. In cold weather,
wrap a blanket over the
carrier and warm up the
car before placing birds
inside. During warm weather,
carry a plant mister to
mist the birds' feathers
periodically. Do not put
water inside the carrier
during transport. Provide
a few slices of fresh fruits
and vegetables with high
water content. Have a photo
for identification and
leg bands. If the carrier
does not have a perch,
line it with paper towels
and change them frequently.
Try to keep the carrier
in a quiet area. Do not
let the birds out of the
cage or carrier.
Reptiles
Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred
to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.
If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you.
Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating
pad. When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions
as for birds.
Link
to Preparedness Additional Information about
Birds and Reptiles
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.
This emergency information was developed
using information from the American Red Cross
and the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture.
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