There are various types of emergencies, which may necessitate a temporary or permanent evacuation from your home. To ensure the safety of your pets during different types of disasters, it is important to take specific measures. Therefore, the most beneficial action you can take for both yourself and your pets is to be prepared. To ensure readiness before the next disaster occurs, follow these straightforward steps:
Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
Ensure the visibility of this user-friendly sticker to inform individuals about the presence of pets in your residence. We suggest affixing it on or near your main entrance for easy identification by rescue personnel. Additionally, include relevant details such as the species and quantity of pets housed, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information. In the event of evacuation, if feasible, inscribe “EVACUATED” on the sticker.
Arrange a Safe Haven
It is crucial to make arrangements for a secure place for your pets in case of evacuation. It is important to remember not to abandon your pets. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is also not safe for your pets. There is a possibility that they might get stuck or run away and face various life-threatening dangers. Keep in mind that not all shelters allow pets, so it is essential to decide in advance where you will take your pets.
- Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
- Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
- Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
- Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.
Choose “Designated Caregivers”
This process will require a significant amount of time and careful consideration. When selecting a temporary caretaker, it is important to choose someone who resides near your place of residence. The individual should be available at home during the day while you are at work, or they should have convenient access to your home. It is necessary to provide this trusted person with a set of keys. This arrangement could be beneficial if your neighbors also have pets as you may alternate responsibilities based on who has access.
When choosing a long-term caregiver, it is important to take into account additional factors. This refers to an individual whom you are relying on to take care of your pet if something were to happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider individuals who have previous experience in successfully caring for animals and who have already met your pet. It is crucial to have in-depth discussions with the permanent caregiver regarding your expectations, ensuring that they are fully aware of the responsibility involved in taking care of your pet.
Know Your Region’s Native Disasters
Does your region experience hurricanes? How about tornadoes, blizzards, or wildfires? Most regions have their own native disasters that occur more frequently than others. For instance, the Gulf Coast is susceptible to hurricanes, but it is unlikely to face the wildfires or earthquakes that are common in California. Begin by identifying the most prevalent natural disasters in your area. If you reside in an area prone to hurricanes, ensure you check the elevation level and flood history of your property. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the local evacuation routes to develop an effective plan for you and your pet.
Make a Pet Evacuation Plan
If there are no pet-friendly evacuation shelters available, consider other alternatives to ensure you stay together with your pet during an emergency evacuation.
- Your veterinarian’s office
- Local animal shelters
- Pet-friendly hotels
- Boarding facilities
- A trusted relative’s or friend’s house
It is important to have multiple options outlined in your pet evacuation plan, as this will prevent you from wasting time making frantic calls in the event of a disaster. Kurt Venator, Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina, emphasizes the importance of keeping your pet’s medical records on hand, as some pet-friendly emergency relief centers require proof of vaccinations. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to evacuate with pets. However, your veterinarian can assist you in preparing for your pet’s safety in your absence. One example is obtaining waterproof “Pets Inside” stickers from your veterinarian, which can be placed on the front and back doors of your home to inform rescuers to search for pets.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
The items included in your pet emergency kit may differ based on whether you own a cat or a dog, but it may consist of the following:
- Bottled water
- One to two weeks’ worth of your pet’s food
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Blankets
- Cat litter and pan
- Leash, collar and harness
- Pet life jacket and paw protectors
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Basic pet first-aid kit
- Vaccination records and medical history
- Veterinarian’s contact information
- List of medications
- Emergency contacts
- Photos of your pet in case of separation
Other Considerations
When considering the geography of your area, it is important to take into account the likelihood of specific natural disasters, like tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods. To prepare appropriately, it is advised to plan in advance and evacuate promptly.
- Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear or hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
- Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms and basements as safe zones
- Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.
- In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
When considering horses, there are special factors to take into account.
- Keep a clean and tidy stable and pasture. Remove hazardous and flammable materials, debris and machinery from around the barn’s walkways, entrances and exits. Regularly maintain and inspect barn floors and septic tanks. Inspect your grounds regularly and remove dangerous debris in the pasture.
- Prevent fires by instituting a no-smoking policy around your barn. Avoid using or leaving on appliances in the barn, even seemingly-harmless appliances like box fans, heaters and power tools can overheat. Exposed wiring can also lead to electrical fires in the barn, as can a simple nudge from an animal who accidentally knocks over a machine.
- Get your horse used to wearing a halter, and get him used to trailering. Periodically, you should practice quickly getting your horse on a trailer for the same reason that schools have fire drills—asking a group of unpracticed children to exit a burning building in a calm fashion is a little unrealistic, as is requesting a new and strange behavior of your horse.
- If you own a trailer, please inspect it regularly. Also, make sure your towing vehicle is appropriate for the size and weight of the trailer and horse. Always make sure the trailer is hitched properly—the hitch locked on the ball, safety chains or cables attached, and emergency brake battery charged and linked to towing vehicle. Proper tire pressure (as shown on the tire wall) is also very important.
