Preparing Your Pets Before A Disaster Strikes

Dogs and Cats

• Make sure your pet is current on all inoculations and is wearing proper identifying tags: Rabies tag, tag with owner's name, address and phone number.
• Keep a leash handy.
• If your dog normally wears a "choker" collar, have a leather or nylon collar on hand if you have to leave him alone for several days.
• Obtain a pet carrier or crate in which your pet can stand and turn around.
• When assembling emergency supplies for your household, include items needed for your pet:



• Extra food / dry. Store food in sturdy airtight containers.
• Kitty litter if you own a cat.
• A large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser.
• Extra medications your pet may require.
• If your pet is on a special diet and / or medication, check with your vet as to what you should do in case you have to leave it alone for several day.
• If you plan to go to a public shelter, make prior arrangements for your pet (s) with a kennel, animal clinic, friends, or relatives outside the evacuation area. Your pets are not allowed in Evacuation Shelters!
• "Trained Guide Dogs" in most states, will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners. Check with your local emergency management officials for more information.
• If you plan to evacuate to a hotel or motel, check in advance whether your pet (s) will be welcome.
• If you evacuate without your pet, bring your pet (s) indoors to a prepared safety area. (Do not leave pets tied up outside). Use only dry foods and leave in sturdy containers. Leave plenty of drinking water.
• Keep animals separated. Never leave a cat and dog in the same room, even if they are friendly. The anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.
• Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.

Birds

The care of birds in disaster situations require special consideration. Listed below are some recommendations.

• Determine if your birds need a continuous supply of power. Purchase a generator to meet your facilities needs. Make sure your generator is in good running condition by starting it monthly.
• Make sure you have a sufficient water supply. Large water containers with chlorinated water (10 drops of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water) can be used to store water that prohibits bacterial growth. Store water away from sunlight.
• Aviaries should be equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. This will be very important to minimize smoke inhalation, cool the air and reduce the chance of burn injuries.
• Aviculturists should have enough carriers on hand to evacuate all birds. Many birds will run into their nest boxes during a crises. Nest boxes should be equipped with quick-release latches and a hinge-type cover over the entrance to enable you to remove the nest box and use it as a pet carrier. Flights should be constructed with easy access into and out of them.
• Birds often require specialty foods. Make sure you know what these are and where you can get them. Although surplus food can often be refrigerated, this may not be possible in a disaster, when the power supply is out.
• Birds should be tested and free of psittacosis and tuberculosis. These are serious diseases and are transmissible to many other animals and people.
• Do not leave your birds where they can be exposed to fumes from fires or chemicals. Birds are sensitive to smoke and fumes and succumb quicker to smoke than most other animals.