courtesy
of National
Hurricane Center
HAVE
A PET PLAN
BEFORE
THE DISASTER
DURING THE DISASTER
AFTER THE DISASTER
Contact
your veterinarian or local humane society for information
on preparing your pets for an emergency.
BEFORE
THE DISASTER
-
Make
sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.
Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
-
Have
a current photograph
-
Keep
a collar with identification on your pet and
have a leash on hand to control your pet.
-
Have
a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal
- carriers should be large enough for the animal
to stand and turn around.
-
Plan
your evacuation strategy and don't forget your
pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal
control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends
and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential
refuges for your pet during a disaster.
If
you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your
evacuation route planning.
DURING
THE DISASTER
-
Animals
brought to a pet shelter are required to have:
Proper identification collar and rabies tag,
proper identification on all belongings, a carrier
or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water
and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific
care instructions and news papers or trash bags
for clean-up.
-
Bring
pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure
them and remain calm.
-
Pet
shelters will be filled on first come, first
served basis. Call ahead and determine
availability.
AFTER
THE DISASTER
-
Walk
pets on a leash until they become re-oriented
to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks
may be altered and pets could easily be confused
and become lost. Also, downed power lines,
reptiles brought in with high water and debris
can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
-
If
pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact
the local animal control office to find out
where lost animals can be recovered. Bring
along a picture of your pet if possible.
-
After
a disaster animals can become aggressive or
defensive - monitor their behavior.
Don't
forget your pet when preparing a family disaster
plan.
PET
DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Proper
identification including immunization records
Ample
supply of food and water
A
carrier or cage
Medications
Muzzle,
collar and leash
ADDITIONAL
LINKS
The
HUMANE
SOCIETY Disaster Center
FEMA
- Animals and Emergencies
Locate
PET-FRIENDLY
Hotels & Motels
