Be prepared with a plan if a natural disaster strikes and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.
By leaving pets out of evacuation plans it can put pets, first responders, and pet owners in danger. Trying to create a safe place for pets is not always effective and pets can be injured, lost or worse when left behind during disaster. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to find local available shelters and assistance for your disaster plan so your pets are safe during an emergency.
Include your pets in your disaster plan today by:
- Creating a disaster kit and
- Preparing a plan
Protect yourself, your pet, and your family’s health by doing so.
Familiarize yourself with possible local disasters and consider your options for pet care.
Have a Plan
Disasters can happen at any time be prepared by:
- Checking the contact information for your pet’s collars and tags
- Make sure your pets are micro chipped so your pets can be reunited with you if they are lost
- Buy a pet kennel or cage with your pets information on each carrier
- Make your pet comfortable with its carrier
- Practice with your pet in their carrier
- Make sure you practice catching your pet
- Always have a leash near your exits
- Make sure you have the proper carrier equipment for car rides
- Contact your local government for rides if you have no transportation or friends and family
- Know where your pets and yourself will have shelter, you have two options depending on the disaster:
- Sheltering close to home or at home
- Sheltering away from home if evacuated
Sheltering at Home
Make sure the room you are sheltering in at home is pet friendly by:
- Staying in a safe room with few or no windows
- Toss any toxic objects or plants
- Cover or close small areas where frightened animals could become lodged
Sheltering if evacuated
- See if your local emergency management team has shelter for pet owners and their pets
- If you need shelter for your pets
- Call animal shelters, clinics, or boarding areas. You can go to the Humane Society’s website for more information.
- Call friends and family outside the area.
- Call a pet hotel near evacuation routes.
- Be prepared for disasters for you and your pets.
- Contact:
- Friends and family .
- Pet hotels
- www.bringfido.com or call 877-411-FIDO
- www.dogfriendly.com or call 888-281-5170
- www.doginmysuitcase.com or call 888-0254-0637
- www.pet-friendly-hotels.net or call 866-966-3046
- www.pets-allowed-hotels.com or call 800-250-1625
- www.petswelcome.com
- www.tripswithpets.com
- Contact:
Create a Pet Disaster Kit
Evacuation will go smoothly for your entire family if you prepare a pet disaster kit. Ask your veterinarian for further information.
Supplies for Pet Disaster Kits
- Food and water for at least 2 weeks
- A can opener and food/water bowls
- Cat supplies: litter and box
- Dog Supplies: plastic bags
- Bathroom accident supplies: paper towels, garbage bags, bleach cleaner
- Medication: enough for 2 weeks and any treats needed for doses
- Medical records
- Rabies vaccination
- Vaccination record
- Microchip number
- Medical prescription
- FeLV/FIV test result or vaccination date for cats
- Pertinent medical history
- Leash or harness
- Comfortable carrier
- Toys and beds so your pet is comfortable
- Identification information handout
- Photo of pet
- Pet’s features
- Microchip number
- Owner contact information
- Contact information of a close friend
- Documents, medications, and food stored in waterproof containers
CPR Savers and First Aid Supply recommends either the The CATastrophe Kit for your cat or the DogGoneIt Kit for your dog. Either of these kits will provide you with everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy during a disaster.
Protecting Yourself from Injury and Illness
- Practice safe handling your pet
- To avoid getting common diseases from
- Wash your hands if handling your pet’s waste or pet
- Wash your hands after handling treats
- Do not let your pet lick your face or hands
Diseases People Can Get From Pets
Natural disasters are transmissible of some diseases. Inclement weather conditions can put your pet at risk to get sick. Some illnesses can be transmitted to people. Some common diseases are listed below: Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system in both animals and people.
Rabies is transmitted through bites via the saliva. For you and your pet’s protection:
- Keep up on rabies vaccine
- Report any bite wounds immediately
- Practice safe handling of pets
- Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash
- Do not allow interaction with your pet and other animals
Ringworm is a condition caused by a fungus that can infect skin, hair, and nails of both people and animals. Ringworm is transmitted from animals to people through direct contact of skin or hair. For your familys’ protection:
- Wash your hands after handling any animal
- Do not let your pet interact with other animals
- Use cleaning supplies to clean carriers
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in the urine of infected animals that can cause kidney damage and affect other organs. It can be transmitted through infected urine, water, soil, or food.
- Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet
- Wash your hands after getting in contact with urine
- Avoid stagnant water
- Don’t allow pets near contaminated water
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks diseases: Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are common pests of stray animals and are common after disasters. Their bites irritate the skin and can carry diseases. To prevent illnesses:
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on heartworm and flea and tick preventive treatments
- Help keep your pet away from wildlife and stray animals
- Wash your pet’s bedding consistently
What if I my pet is lost?
Make sure that your family is in a safe location before searching.
- If you are in a shelter that houses pets, inform one of the pet caretakers.
- Contact animal control about your lost pet
- Contact the microchip company to make sure your pet’s info is up-to-date