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Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Fortunately, we as Central Virginians are not called upon to evacuate our homes very often. If we lived in coastal lowlands, it could be a different story. As Hurricane Katrina showed us, we as a country are not prepared for large-scale disasters that literally encompass hundreds of thousands of square miles. While we find it hard to plan for mass evacuations, we as individuals can plan for our own evacuation, taking into consideration that our pets will need to go with us.

KEEP INFORMED
Stay up to date on all current information regarding an impending disaster. Listen to the radio and TV, check the Internet for up-to-date information and follow authorities' instructions. You may need to stay at home or you may need to evacuate. It depends on the disaster.

LEAVE EARLY
If you have prior warning of an impending disaster, get out of its way. Visit friends or relatives in distant places. Be sure that you warn them you are coming and that you have your pets with you. The nicest of relatives may not want you AND your pets. Make contingency plans to assure that your friend or relative is not going to be in the disaster area also. Its bad enough to evacuate once without having to do it again a short time later.

HAVE A PET SAFETY SUPPLIES KIT
Assemble ahead of time the following items that can then be placed in your vehicles quickly.

* Pet Identification materials

* Medical records in a waterproof container, including vaccination records, your pet's veterinarian's name and phone number and any medication they are taking.

* Food and water for each pet. A three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for the home.

* Food bowls

*Blankets and bedding

* Leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport your pet safely

* Garbage bags, newspapers, paper towels and bleach to make a solution for cleaning up pet waste.

PET IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT
Your dog should have current identification materials around its collar at all times. In case you move during the disaster, an additional temporary tag should include your temporary residence's location and phone number should your pet become separated from you while this time. It is always a good idea to have your pet micro-chipped before the disaster occurs. Remember to update the microchip company with you new address as needed.

EVACUATING WITH PETS
If possible, keep your pet with you at all times. Remember that some emergency shelters do not allow pets. This is slowly changing but is still the norm. If your pets can't remain with you, be sure to get the location and phone number of the temporary shelter they will use.

Do not leave pets to fend for themselves in a disaster. Pets could become victims of exposure, starvation, contaminated water supplies and food or other accidents. Leaving a pet chained outside is a death sentence.

IF YOU'RE NOT AT HOME WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
Make arrangements in advance with a neighbor who has a key to your house. If possible, have them collect the pets and meet you at a pre-arranged place. Be sure that the pet and the person are comfortable with one another. Have them bring your disaster supplies.

RETURNING HOME AFTER THE DISASTER
Your home or neighborhood may be a changed place when you return. Do not allow your pet to roam loose. Your pets could become disoriented because smells will be different and familiar surroundings may be changed or gone.
Be patient with your pet as it becomes familiar with the changes. Depression and other stress-related behavioral problems could occur. If they persist, see your veterinarian for help and advice.

About the Author:

American Red Cross Greater Richmond Chapter's very own Tom Moline, Pet First Aid Instructor extraordinaire. Visit greaterrichmond.redcross.org for more information.