Ready Animals

Preparedness for animals is important as they cannot care for themselves. Preparing for animals is much like preparing for yourself. Think of the supplies and comfort needs that your animal uses every day. Don’t forget their medications and important documents.

Planning for Pets and Animals

Your animals need to be included in your family disaster plan since they depend on you for their wellbeing. Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers of local agencies that can assist you, if disaster strikes – including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, county extension service, local agricultural schools, and the Health Department. These numbers should be kept with your disaster supply kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.

• If you must evacuate, do not leave your pets behind. There is a chance they will not survive or may get lost before you return.

• With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters. Find out which motels allow pets and where boarding facilities are located. Boarding facilities will require veterinarian records to prove vaccinations are current.

• Only some animal shelters will provide care for pets during emergencies. They should only be used as a last resort. Use friends and family or keep them with you if possible.

• Be sure your pet has proper identification tags securely fastened to their collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.

• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier and leash for your pet. Pets may need to be restrained during tense emergency situations.

• Create an emergency supply kit for your pet. Take the kit with you and be prepared to leave it with whoever assumes responsibility for your pet. Basic list below

• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take. Confine your pet to a safe area inside. Never leave your pet chained outside. Place a notice outside in a visible area advising that pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached, as well as the name and number of your vet.

• Have a back-up plan in case you are not at home when an evacuation is ordered. Find a trusted neighbor who will agree to take your pets, in case you are not there, and make plans to meet you at a prearranged location. Make sure this person is comfortable with your pets, knows where they are likely to be, and where to find your pet emergency kit.

LIVESTOCK

• Evacuate livestock whenever possible. Prepare in advance by having transportation and an evacuation destination prearranged. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible.

• The evacuation sites may have, or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, and handle equipment and animals, but it may not be for some time.

• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be determined based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter.

• All animals should have some form of identification, such as brands or ear-tags, that will help facilitate their return.

WILDLIFE

• Wild or stray domestic animals can pose a danger during many types of disasters. Do not corner an animal, they may feel threatened and may endanger themselves or you. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities.

PET SUPPLIES

Food and Water for a week
Leash or harness
Pet Carrier
Food
Collapsible bowls
Litter box
Kitty litter
Scoop
Plastic sacks
Medications and medical records
Grooming items
Play and chew toys
Pet first aid kit
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