Emergencies come in many forms, and may require anything from a brief absence from home to a permanent evacuation. Preparation is key to a successful evacuation and each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe.
Stay calm. If you have to leave home suddenly, collect your wits and your pets. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after a disaster. Normally quiet and friendly cats may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Your pet is very attuned to your emotional state. Try to keep your cool so your pets don’t panic. Speak firmly, but calmly. Once you’ve collected all your pets, you may want to place them in a separate room or in carrier so they don’t become panicked by all the activity.
What types of disasters affect your area? Do you have advance warning before the disaster? What can you do to protect your pets in an emergency? What’s it like to rescue animals in a disaster situation—and how can you g.
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Expect the unexpected. No matter where you live, the unexpected can occur. Disasters come in all forms. From blizzards to wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes, terrorist attacks to floods and tornados, emergencies occur in all parts of the country. Everyone should have a disaster plan for their family, including one for pets. Preparedness can help save lives. Pets are part of the family, and it’s imperative they be included in all family disaster plans. Remember, they’re counting on you.
Planning ahead can make all the difference in order to be properly prepared to leave a disaster area with your pet. At hand and ready to use should be leashes, muzzles, and carriers for each pet. A full supplies list can be found in this section. The key to a successful departure is to have resources available with which to transport your pet safely when you have a short window of time in which to evacuate.
In the unfortunate situation where you can’t get home in time, designate a caregiver to evacuate your pets on your behalf. All pets should already be microchipped with collars and identification tags. Keep your contact information up-to-date on tags and microchip database, and maintain current photographs of you and your pets, in case you become separated.
Have a safe haven already lined up to go, outside of your immediate home area. Discuss in advance the possibility of sheltering. If you don't have friends or family outside of your local area, locate pet-friendly hotels outside of your area, before disaster strikes. Keep phone numbers with other important contacts, as emergency evacuation shelters should be your last resort.
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Does your city or town have a disaster program plan? Research which groups exist and the name of the leader. Check with the local non-profit humane societies in your area to see if they have their own plan and an animal evacuation group.
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Does your city or town have a disaster program plan? Research which groups exist and the name of the leader. Check with the local non-profit humane societies in your area to see if they have their own plan and an animal evacuation group. Other agencies to check include Animal Control, City Hall, local chapter of American Red Cross, Fire Department or Law Enforcement. Perhaps there’s a Search and Rescue team in the area – they might have a plan and don’t forget to ask the local librarian – they’re a wealth of information. It’s not difficult to find human planning, but it’s rare to find this type of planning for animals.
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Rescue Alert Sticker The easy-to-use sticker notifies people of pets inside your home.
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Rescue Alert Sticker
The easy-to-use sticker notifies people of pets inside your home. Make sure it’s visible to rescue workers, and includes 1) types and number of pets in your household; 2) name of your veterinarian; and 3) veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.
Download the rescue alert for printing at home. Materials for creating a sticker or window cling decal can be purchased at most office supply stores.
Animal Alert Card
Carry ARF’s animal alert card to alert emergency personnel that you have animals relying on your return for care. Print the form and fill in pertinent information for the care of your pets in an emergency situation, including any special instructions and medications, if needed. Then cut, fold in half, and place in your wallet.
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Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind to fend for themselves. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets.
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Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind to fend for themselves. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped, escape, or be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it is imperative you have determined where you will take your pets ahead of time. Options include:
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Consider designating a caregiver who can help your pet in the event you cannot get home. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence.
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Consider designating a caregiver who can help your pet in the event you cannot get home. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. This person should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual, along with feeding and care instructions for all pets and your veterinarian’s name. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own - you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.
When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider additional criteria. This is a person to whom you’re entrusting the care of your pet in the event something happens to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
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Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure everyone in the family knows the location of your Evac-Pack. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry.
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Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure everyone in the family knows the location of your Evac-Pack. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
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If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume you may not be allowed to return for several weeks.
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If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
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Leaving your pet at home will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss, so make every effort to take your pet with you.
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Leaving your pet at home will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss, so make every effort to take your pet with you. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet behind, there are some precautions you must take:
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The American Veterinary Medical Association's Disaster Preparedness Series lists the following available materials: Saving the Whole Family booklet The Centers for Disease Control offers information on chemical and biological agents a.
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The American Veterinary Medical Association's Disaster Preparedness Series lists the following available materials:
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ARF knows lives are enhanced by strengthening the bonds between humans and animals, and is dedicated to helping people keep their pets happily in their home.
Have future plans been made for your furry family members? Enroll in ARF's Guardian Program and have peace of mind that your beloved pets will be cared for when the need arises.