PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH

ByKE8CVP

National Pet Preparedness Month takes place in June and reminds pet owners to always prepare emergency plans for their animal friends so that they can weather emergency conditions safely. Pets are as much victims of natural and man-made disasters as humans and, therefore, owners must also be prepared to evacuate their pets with the supplies necessary for their needs.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH

In the event of facing an emergency or natural disaster, it is paramount that everyone in your house gets out safely, including your pets. From house fires and blackouts to hurricanes and floods, such events are frightening for us and can be more so for pets, who rely on their owners to keep them safe. Thus, having emergency plans for your pets is crucial in making sure they get out and handle the situation safely.

Emergency plans can range from knowing where to gather following an emergency, placing leashes or pet food in easy-to-remember places, or constructing go kits that contain everything that your pet needs to weather emergencies, such as food, leashes, medication, clothes, and others. It can also consist of identifying nearby shelters that can assist you in taking care of your pet. In large-scale events such as hurricanes, having such plans ready might save your pet from running off, getting harmed, or being overlooked by relief workers.

Up to 100,000 to 250,000 pets were stranded or forced to be abandoned following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005, which led to around 70,000 and 150,000 pet deaths, mainly by starvation. During Hurricane Sandy in 2017, it was reported that hundreds of pets were spooked by the chaos enough to flee. Luckily, organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals tend to react swiftly to save pets affected by such disasters, but the best way to ensure their safety is to have emergency measures prepared for them beforehand. Especially since not all disaster evacuation centers might accept pets. National Pet Preparedness Month is here to remind you that the safety of your pets lies primarily in your hands.

CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN

  • Know a safe place to take your pets. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
  • Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
  • Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
  • Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house your pets separately.
  • Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
  • Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
  • Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.
     

PET EMERGENCY KIT Place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
  • Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
  • Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
  • A first aid kit.
  • Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
  • Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
     

Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN FOR YOUR LIVESTOCK

For large animals and livestock, make sure your plan includes a map of your farm indicating buildings and structures, access routes, blocked passages and barriers, locations of livestock and shelters, locations of hazardous substances (such as pesticides, fuel, etc.), and electrical shut-off locations.

Review your emergency plan with your employees and make sure they are aware of where all supplies and animals are always located. Always have identifying information for your animals or livestock and that animals have identification on them.

Keep a stockpile of supplies on hand such as:

  • Sandbags and plastic sheeting
  • Wire and ropes to secure objects
  • Lumber and plywood to protect windows
  • Extra food and water for livestock
  • Extra fuel for tractors and vehicles
  • Hand tools
  • Fire extinguishers
  • A gas-powered generator
     

Here are more steps you should take:

  • If possible, plan to evacuate with your animals. Plan out routes and find vehicles and trailers to transport your animals and livestock.
  • Don’t forget to ensure that your destination has food, water, handling equipment and veterinary care.
  • Make sure to build a go-kit for your farm much as you would for your home. Include veterinarian information, insurance agent information and documentation of coverage, other important documentation, food, water, medication.
  • If you must shelter your animals in place, you may want to remove them from pastures and shelter them in a barn or other large structure if possible, providing them with feed and water. Make sure the shelter is free of neighboring debris, trees which can uproot easily, overhead powerlines, etc.
  • It may be best to let your livestock remain in pastures, as confinement in a shelter can take away the abilities of animals to protect themselves.
  • For potential flooding, make sure to relocate your animals to higher ground.