How to Protect Pets During Natural Disasters

Learning to prepare and stay safe during natural disasters seems to have become essential knowledge to acquire. Part of natural disaster preparedness is also taking into consideration of pets that a person may own. In the wake of natural disasters, like Hurricane Katrina, it became quite evident that pet owners needed more access and assistance with keeping pets safe. The following are some helpful ways to protect pets during natural disasters.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet medication
• Waterproof container
• Pet records
• Current photo and description of pet
• Food
• Leashes and collars
• First aid kid
• Pet carrier

1. Make sure the pet has been properly identified. This can be done by having the pet implanted with a microchip and maintaining up-to-date identification information on collar tags. Proper means of identification can help pet owners reunite with pets when natural disasters cause them to be separated.

2. Have an adequate supply of medication the pet might be on.

3. Buy a waterproof container. Use this container to keep pet records and a current photo and description in. Again, this can be instrumental in helping to reunite with a lost pet.

4. Keep the pet healthy. This can be done by keeping up to date with vaccinations and pet wellness visits to the veterinarian.

5. Put together a box of pet supplies. Store at least a 3-day supply of pet food, food and water bowls, cat litter and litter box, first aid kit, extra leashes and collars. Also, keep the waterproof container with important pet information next to or in this box. Keep this in an easy to get to place in the residence.

6. Have on hand a proper-sized pet carrier. It will be easier to transport a pet during a natural disaster by keeping them contained in a pet carrier.

7. Design an emergency plan. This will allow the pet owner to develop a plan of action that will include what they plan to do with their pet(s) during a possible natural disaster. Take into account all different scenarios like whether or not you will be able to board the pet or does the place you are planning to go to accept pets. Ask the veterinarian that cares for the pet(s) for suggestions on what to do with them.

8. Try to bring pets along when evacuating. It is always in the best interest of the pet to stay with the owner, because a pet left behind has a better chance of becoming lost, hurt or worse. Definitely do not chain or cage a pet and leave them behind during a natural disaster. This will limit their ability to use their own natural instincts to stay safe.

9. Plan to leave and evacuate early. Waiting till the last minute will almost always make it impossible to bring a pet along.

10. Have a backup plan. In the event that a natural disaster strikes and you are not able to get home, ask a neighbor to assist in evacuating the pet. Make sure this person has a spare key, knows the pet and is familiar with where the emergency pet supplies are stored.

11. Inquire with hotels and motels to see that they allow pets. Call up potential places you may use as an evacuation safe place and see if they welcome pets. For places that do not allow pets, find out if there is a local animal shelter in the area that can board the pet.

12. Place a sticker on the front door. The sticker should identify the presence of the pet that resides at the home. This will alert rescue people that there is a pet in need of rescue in the event that the pet had to be left behind.

13. Bring the pet inside. When the natural disaster is eminent, do not leave the pet outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead, maintain a backup plan or two and prepare to evacuate early so that you can ensure the safety of a pet during a natural disaster.

Resources

• The Humane Society of the United States
• ASPCA