The following article is based on an article distributed by the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, Amador County. It has been modified only with a few references to make it pertinent to our area.

Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, people and their property are affected. Over the years, we have seen whole communities destroyed and lives devastated. A problem that is increasingly being recognized is that disaster also affects animals. In times of crises, people worry not only about their family but also about the family pet; farmers worry about the livestock; horse owners worry about their prize show horse or backyard pony. In a disaster, state and local government must first take care of people and they may not have time to deal with all animal problems. 

 

It is up to individuals to see that their animals are taken care of. It is imperative that animal owners work with one another to develop plans for their animals. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that if you evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in your area allow pets - well in advance of needing them.

 

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 note outside in a visible area, advising what 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 phone number of your vet.

Animals in Society

Did you know?

 

• The pet industry generates $20-$30 billion each year.
• Approximately 50 percent of all U.S. households own a pet.
• 60 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be very or extremely important to their families.

Disaster Preparedness for
Dogs, Cats, Birds and Reptiles

Before a Disaster Strikes:

• Plan ahead - In the event of an evacuation, pets are not allowed inside human emergency shelters. Determine the best place to leave your pet. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home.
• Identification and Photographs - Dogs and cats should always wear properly fitting collars, personal identification, rabies and license tags. Make sure all information on tags is current. Keep a photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible.
• Disaster Kit - Maintain a disaster preparedness supply kit for each pet.
• Paperwork and Records - Store important documents, vaccination and medical records in a waterproof plastic bag. Ask your vet or the Peninsula Humane Society for suggestions that pertain to you)
• Vaccinations - Your pets need to be current on vaccinations.
• Transportation - Each animal should have their own pet carrier. Familiarize your pet with the carrier before an emergency.
• Leashes and Collars - Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness.
• Buddy System - In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinary authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your pet if you can not be located.

During a Disaster:

• Evacuate animals early if possible to ensure their safety and ease your and their stress.
• Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on the TV or radio - KCBS, 740 AM,
• Take all vaccination and medical records, identification, animal disaster supply kit, and enough food and water for two weeks.
• If you can't take your pet with you then bring them indoors. Do not leave pets chained outdoors. Prepare a preselected site indoors for your pet. Use a room with no windows, but adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie them up. Do not leave vitamin treats which could be fatal if overeaten. House dogs and cats separately even if they normally get along.
• Keep birds caged. They may sense danger and be difficult to capture. In cold weather wrap a blanket around the carrier.
• Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach their destination.
• If you must leave birds or reptiles, leave them in a safe area and cover their cages with a light cloth or sheet.

After a Disaster:

• Check animals for injury and exposure to chemicals. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
• Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Monitor pets closely and keep them leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered causing confusion and abnormal behavior.
• Monitor birds closely for several days. Many commonly show signs of disease several days following a stressful episode. Consult a veterinarian immediately at any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, loose stool, depression, injury, or sitting on the cage bottom.
• If you have to move to new surroundings, do not remove your bird from its cage until it is calm, then do so only in a closed room. Frightened birds may become aggressive or fly away.
• Let your bird have plenty of uninterrupted sleep to recover from the stress and trauma. Birds will usually remain calm in isolated, darkened areas with cages covered.
• If you find a pet, call animal control. Isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner or can be examined by a veterinary.
• If you have lost a pet, visit the animal shelter at least once a day. You must check in person because you are the only one who can truly identify your pet. Keep a current photo of your pet showing or describing any distinctive markings.
• Create a flyer with your pet's photo and description, pet's name, your name and phone number where you can be reached.
• When you do find your pet, immediately examine it for illness or injuries. Seek medical attention if needed. Use caution when handling animals. Panicky or injured animals may bite.

Disaster Preparedness Kit for
Dogs, Cats, Birds and Reptiles

• Portable radio with extra batteries
• Your veterinarian's information
• Pet carriers or cage for each pet
• Cage cover or blanket
• Non-spill food and water bowls/dispensers
• Two week's supply of food and water
• Any special dietary instructions
• Medications and dosing instructions
• Pet first aid kit
• Hot water bottles
• Water bowl for soaking and heating pad for snakes
• Battery powered heat lamp
• Cat litter box and litter
• Newspaper
• Paper towels and plastic bags for cleanups
• Disinfectants
• Toys and treats
• A current photograph of each pet