Emergencies come in many forms, and they may
require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent
evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to
keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and
your pets is to be prepared.
Step
1 Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
This easy-to-use sticker
will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it
is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types
and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your
veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must
evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED"
across the stickers.
To get an emergency pet
alert sticker for your home, please
fill out our online order form;
please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store
may also sell similar stickers.
Step 2 Arrange a
Safe Haven
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO
NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it
isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be
exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that Red Cross
disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and
safety regulations, so it is imperative that you have determined
where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
- Contact your veterinarian
for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
- Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter
or foster care for pets.
- Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that
accept pets.
- Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they
would be willing to take in your pet.
Step 3 Emergency
Supplies and Traveling Kits
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that
everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be
clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or
near your pack include:
- Pet first-aid kit and
guide book (ask your vet what to include, or
visit the ASPCA Store
to buy one online)
- 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to
rotate every two months)
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
- Litter or paper toweling
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes
- Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for
safety and security)
- Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a
two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food
and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency
kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
- Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet
(store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each
pet
- Flashlight
- Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
- Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need
to make "Lost" posters)
- Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable
litter
- Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew
toys, a week's worth of cage liner.
You should also have an
emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to
include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool,
tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective
clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone
numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance
information.
Step 4 Choose
“Designated Caregivers”
This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a
temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to
your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home
during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your
home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual.
This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you
may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has
accessibility.
When selecting a
permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria.
This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet
in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting
this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and
have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to
discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so
he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
Click here
for information about pet trusts.
Step 5 Evacuation
Preparation
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the
worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day,
assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks.
When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow
the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize
evacuation time, take these simple steps:
- Store an emergency kit and
leashes as close to an exit as possible.
- Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date
identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name,
telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write
your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's
carrier.
- The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent
form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's
shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal
shelters.
- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a
storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away
from home during a crisis.
Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements
for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign
of disaster.
Step 6 Geographic
and Climatic Considerations
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural
catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you
should plan accordingly.
- Determine well in advance
which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of
hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
- Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and
basements as safe zones.
- Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In
areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead
of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power
outage or other crises.
- In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your
home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where
your animals can take shelter.
If emergency officials
recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep
your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at
hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house
confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and
comfort.