#NPM2023 Week 2: Pet and Animal Preparedness

Posted on by patrickgodette
Happy woman playing with her dog on the couch at home. Dog licking middle aged woman in the living room

 

#NPM2023 Week 2: Pet and Animal Preparedness

Your pet is an important member of your household. Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disaster. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for your pets if you are unable to do so. If you evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind! It is your responsibility as a pet owner to find out what type of shelters and assistance are available in your area to accommodate pets, and to include pets in your disaster plan to keep them safe during an emergency.

What you should know about Pet Preparedness

  • Include your pets in your emergency plans.
  • Build a separate emergency kit for your pets.
  • Make sure and keep digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet after a disaster in case you become separated.
  • Create a list of places that accept pets if an emergency happens.

Make a Pet Emergency Plan

  • ID your pet. Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Also consider microchipping your pets.
  • Make sure you have a current photo and description of your pet for identification purposes.
  • Make a pet emergency kit:
    • 5 gallons of water and sufficient food and medicine for at least three days per pet
    • Medications
    • Immunization and medical records
    • Manual can opener
    • Serving dishes
    • First aid kit and other supplies
    • Pet toys and bedding
  • Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers.
  • Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape.
  • Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
  • If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
  • Some 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 have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside – NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

  • Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
  • Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
  • Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers. Note: It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less frightened and easier to move.
  • Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
  • If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

Training Opportunities:

Additional Resources:

Ready.gov-Prepare Your Pets for Disasters Brochure

Animal Poison Control

Pet First Aid Mobile Apps