When disasters pose an immediate threat and communities are asked to evacuate their homes, prepared families grab emergency kits and evacuate or make the decision to shelter in place. Take into consideration the odds of a long-drawn-out evacuation and plan for your family—and your pets. Prepare for worst case scenarios to make sure that everyone is safe from harm and danger.
Prepare an animal evacuation kit.
Gather resources to use for your animals if services are disrupted (electricity, food and water sources). Secure items in an easy-to-carry, water-resistant container, such as:
- 2 week supply of fresh water (plastic jugs with secure lids) and un-expired food (dry & canned)
- Back-up generators (for animal food production use)
- Cage / carrier (labeled with contact info – one per animal)
- Can opener (manual)
- Emergency cash
- Gloves
- Familiar pet items (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
- Flashlight (with batteries)
- Litter materials (litter, scoop, pan)
- Papers towels
- Radio (solar and battery operated)
- Spoon
- Trash can
Update your small animal first aid kit. Small animal first aid kit items may include:
- Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
- Latex gloves
- Antibiotic ointment (wounds, eyes)
- Measuring spoons
- Bandage tape
- Medications (heartworms, etc.)
- Cotton swabs
- Saline solution
- Eye rinse
- Thermometer
- Gauze pads
- Towels and washcloths
- Flea and tick treatment
- Tweezers
- Also include special dietary information (allergies) and medications that the animal uses frequently (include pharmacy contact information for refills).
Prepare and practice an animal evacuation plan.
Make a note of all of the disasters that could affect your region. Practice your specialized plan to help accomplish a safe and successful evacuation. If you live in an high rise or apartment, take the stairs periodically to familiarize pets with your emergency exit plan.
I.D.
Have the proper identification for your animals with your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and a number of the person you will contact during/after the evacuation. For small animals, use:
- collar tag
- microchip
- tattoo
- neckband
- waterproof pouch (for collar)
Back- up the animals’ important documents.
Store copies of important documents in your evacuation kit and include vaccination records (including rabies certificate); medical history (conditions, important test results- heartworms, feline leukemia, etc); proof of ownership (for each of your animals – include species, age, color, unique characteristics, photographs); and, emergency contact information (your contact information, set evacuation site, veterinarian, etc.)
If you are not at home—
Just in case if you are not home when an evacuation order set is in place for your area—how will you secure your animals? Have your evacuation plan, kit, and identification in place to notify rescue personnel.
- Set up arrangements with a willing neighbor to tend to your animals in events that a disaster (make sure that person has a house key, knows your evacuation plan, and knows where your supplies are stored)
- Keep a list of the number, type, and location of your animals near your evacuation supplies (including favorite hiding places)
- Pre-sign letters that release your pets to your neighbor and authorize to a veterinarian, in case of an injury that needs immediate treatment.
- In evacuation kit, secure muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets and restraint tools for rescue helpers—when startled, animals may become erratic.
Consult with your veterinarian for appropriate care and instruction when preparing evacuation kits and plans for your individual animals. For information on equine and livestock evacuation, visit American Association of Equine Practitioners at http://aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm and American Association of Bovine Practitioners at http://www.aabp.org/.
