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| | Animal Safety
The following information has been prepared by the Humane Society of the
United States in cooperation with the American Red Cross
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.
Be Prepared with a Disaster Plan
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a
disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being
prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is
a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing
you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets
behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in
their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and
your pets may have to leave your home.
1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states' health
and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals who assist
people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross
shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your
animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster
strikes to do your research.
 | 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.
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| 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.
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| Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter
animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
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| 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. |
2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential
supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers
that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your
pet disaster supplies kit should include:
| Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a
first aid kit.
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| Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and
ensure that your animals can't escape.
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| Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
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| Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
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| Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems,
and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or
board your pets.
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| Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable. |
3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches
| Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint
of disaster, act to protect your pet.
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| Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your
pets.
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| Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a
moment's notice.
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| Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if
you have to leave in a hurry.
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| 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. |
You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted
neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged
location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your
animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and
have a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service, they may be available
to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.
Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly
and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress.
Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in
carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most
trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And,
when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.
Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
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.
About Other Pets
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.
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.
A Final Word
If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to a
prearranged safe location if they cannot stay with your during the evacuation
period. (remember, pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.) If there is a
possibility that disaster may strike while you are out of the house, there are
precautions you can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they
are not a substitute for evacuating with your pets. |
BAYTOWN
HUMANE SOCIETY