Preparing for Your Pet to Survive Natural Disasters

Pet owners worry about proper nutrition, flea and tick protection, vaccinations and well vet visit insurance. Unfortunately many pet owners have experienced the panic that follows a natural disaster and wish they had been better prepared to protect their beloved pets before the devastation and loss that often results from natural disasters. There are steps pet owners can take now that may help them to better protect pets in the event a natural disaster such as a flood, wildfire, dangerous weather conditions or earthquake strikes.

Steps to take to protect pets in the event of a natural disaster

Pet Rescue Alert Stickers

These stickers are easy to use and alert rescue workers that pets reside in your household. The sticker alerts rescue workers about the number of pets and types of pets you have so they can be on the lookout for them. The stickers also give needed information such as the phone number to your veterinarian. Pet owners can order free pet rescue alert stickers at local pet stores and by ordering a free pet safety pack by going to this ASPCA webpage.

Safe Haven for pets

Never leave a pet behind when a natural disaster strikes. Left behind pets must fend for themselves in a situation where they are panicked, frightened and helpless. Pets can also easily become trapped with no escape in a situation when a life-threatening event may occur. Pet owners often assume that local Red Cross disaster shelters will accept rescued pets and this is unfortunately not always the case. Pet owners must determine in advance where a safe place would be to bring a pet to in case home is no longer safe. Ideas of safe havens for pets include kennels or other pet facilities in surrounding cities, hotels or motels in surrounding areas that are pet friendly or relatives or friends living in surrounding locations willing to board your pet until it is safe to return to your home. Check with your veterinarian for names of kennels and pet boarding facilities as well as pet friendly motels and hotels.

Emergency Supply Kits

Just as you would carry an emergency supply kit in your car or have one in your medicine cabinet it is wise to prepare and have a pet emergency kit for your family pets that contain medications, food and water bottles. Include a copy of your pet's vaccination record and name and address of the vet caring for your pets. It is a good idea to pack foldable dishes used for traveling, a blanket for each pet, leash if you have a dog, scoopable litter and pan if you have cats, flashlight, and chew toys.

Identification

It is always a good idea to have your pet micro chipped in case your pet becomes separated from you in a natural disaster.

Evacuating

As soon as your area is notified of the need for evacuation notify your safe haven that you will be bringing your pet in to be cared for by them.

If a flash flood warning has been declared bring your pet with you to the highest level of your home or a room that has high shelving or counters that your pets can take refuge on.

Birds, reptiles and small mammals

Pet owners of birds and reptiles need to make special arrangements for natural disaster preparedness such as having a pillowcase ready to secure and transport reptiles, bird cages that are light enough yet sturdy enough for easy transportation, heating pad or other warming device for reptiles, bedding, food and food bowls, heavy towels and blankets as well as a sheet to cover a bird cage. Small lizards can be transported in birdcages. Small mammals will need a tube or small hide box, something to chew on or a salt lick if used.

Livestock

Your pet may be large if you live in a rural area; these and other livestock also need to be protected in case of a natural disaster. Make sure you post emergency contact numbers (close relatives and friends) on your barn or directly on your pasture fence.

Keep sufficient transportation nearby for all livestock on your property including any animals you may be boarding.

Know the names and phone numbers of neighbors within a 100-mile radius who may be willing to board your livestock in case of emergency.

Become familiar with organizations in your area that may be used to rescue or house livestock that become displaced during a natural disaster.

Design an evacuation plan ahead of time and discuss it with family, friends and neighbors.

Keep a supply of fresh feed in a safe but separate location from your residential location that others will be able to airdrop should your livestock become stranded.

Have an emergency kit that contains halters, leads, quieting hoods, first aid kits specifically for livestock and fresh water. Your kit should contain current photos and ownership papers of your livestock for identification purposes should a natural disaster strike.

References:

ASPCA free pet safety pack order form http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.html

American Humane Your Pet Needs You Even More When Disaster Strikes http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/adoption-pet-care/safety/preparing-for-disaster.html