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Pets and DisastersOur pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here’s how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes.
Be prepared with a disaster plan…
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe pace for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
1. Have a safe place to take your pets…
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states’ health and safety regulations and other considerations. It may be difficult, if not impossible to find shelter for you animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research. Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately. Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers. Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.2. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit…
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you’ll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily. Your pet disaster supplies kit should include—
Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure animals can’t escape. Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of you veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets. Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.3. Know what to do as a 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. Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice. Bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to leave in a hurry. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area.601 N. Golden Circle Drive, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Phone: (714) 481-5300 Website: www.oc-redcross.org
