Pets enrich the lives of individuals and families in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on

us, their owners, for their safety and well being. The best way to ensure the safety of your family is to be

prepared with a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan includes your pets. It’s important for

people with pets or service animals to take steps ahead of time to keep them as safe as possible during a

disaster or other emergency. The American Red Cross offers the following tips to help people with pets

and service animals prepare for a disaster:

 

How do I prepare?

Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them

either.

• Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an

         emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies

         could be waived in an emergency.

• Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other

         considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in

         Red Cross shelters.

• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for

          your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.

• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their

         carriers calmly.

• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars

         with securely-fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current

         vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease. After evacuating, add the temporary shelter location on

         the back of the pet’s ID tag.

• Consider having your pet “micro-chipped” by your veterinarian.

 

What Should I Do?

Assemble a portable emergency preparedness kit for pets. Store items in a sturdy container that can

be carried easily (plastic bin, duffle bag), and make sure to include:    

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets and service animals safely and

          ensure they can’t escape

• Food, Drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and manual can opener
• Medications and medical records (including veterinarian’s contact information) in a waterproof

          container

• Pet’s first aid kit
• Current photos of pets in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate

          mistaken identity and confusion.

• Information on feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and

          number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable and space permits.

 

Know what to do as the disaster approaches.

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to

          protect your pet

• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets
• Ensure that all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification
• Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice
• Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly

 

Make Extra Plans for Birds, Small Mammals, and Large Animals

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. 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 photo 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 case or carrier.

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.

Large Animals (horses or cattle) require more time and planning. Start evacuations of large animals,

such as horses or cattle, as early as possible to ensure time to escape the storm. Remember, it may be

difficult to maneuver large animal transport vehicles in evacuation traffic.

 

After a Disaster…

• The behavior of pets may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or

          defensive, so be aware of their well-being and protect them from hazards to ensure the safety of

          other people and animals.

• Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control as fences and gates may

          have been damaged.

• Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally

         allow them to find their way home.

• Be aware of hazards at nose and paw or hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals,

          fertilizers and other substances that might not seem to be dangerous to humans.

• Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

 

Learn First Aid for Your Pets

Dogs and cats are more than pets — they’re family. And just like any other family member, pets deserve

to be cared for and protected. That’s why the American Red Cross has developed Dog First Aid and Cat

First Aid, comprehensive guides to help keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like

spaying/neutering and giving medications, to managing cardiac emergencies and preparing for disasters,

these guides offer information pet owners can trust.

Contact your local chapter to purchase guide books and first aid kits or log on to the Red Cross Store to

see all available products.

 

For more information on hurricane preparedness visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.

You may also gather information from the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org or at

www.ready.gov.

 

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