In recent years, the United States faced several emergencies and disasters proving the wisdom of preparation. A small investment of time and thought helps avoid heartache, and prevents your pet from harm — or worse. Do not leave your pets behind if you must evacuate. Most cannot survive alone and you may not be able to find them later if they do survive. T

PLAN

Public health laws sometimes prevent emergency shelters from accepting pets. However, many motels, hotels, and shelters will. Create a list and obtain maps now. Good online sources are HYPERLINK "http://www.letsgopets.com" www.letsgopets.com and HYPERLINK "http://www.petswelcome.com" www.petswelcome.com. Also list numbers for the local animal shelter’s: call them now for information about disaster planning.

• Create a Pet Emergency Kit, and a Pet First Aid Kit.
Pack and store in an accessible carrier:
Pet food,
can opener
food dishes
Bottled water
Medications
Veterinary records
Cat litter/pan
Pet cage liners
Plastic bags
Blanket
First aid kit
Other supplies you consider essential.

BIRDS

Your veterinarian or pet store offer special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure your bird is caged and include a thin cage cover or sheet to provide security and filtered light.

DOGS

During an emergency, even obedience champs may be frightened and confused. Include a leash, harness, and secure pet carrier Pet Emergency Kit so no one “escapes” during an emergency.

ALL PETS

Update ID tags, and make sure your pet’s collar contains all the necessary tags. Write your evacuation information on a temporary tag; this helps if your pet is lost during the emergency. Take recent photos of your animal(s) with you.

PREPARE TO SHELTER

If you know disaster is ahead, call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office for advice and information. Their web sites may also have updates.

If you cannot return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Locate pet boarding facilities near you and outside your local area in case local facilities close. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters will need your pet's medical and vaccination records to accept your pet.

ENDURE

Animals have instincts about severe weather changes, and often isolate themselves in fear. Bring them inside early so they don’t run away. Never leave an animal outside or tied anywhere during a storm.



You’ll need plenty of newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. To reduce the amount of water needed, feed your pet moist or canned food during the emergency. Even if your dogs and cats live together peacefully, you’ll need to separate them in an emergency to prevent extra stresses. Keep other small pets away from cats and dogs. Be as calm and patient as possible, and remember that your emotions can translate to your animals.

HEAL

Special care is necessary in the first days after a disaster. Outdoors, be alert for snakes and other displaced wild animals, and watch for downed power lines. Remember that familiar scents and landmarks are changed or absent: expect pets to be confused.

Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Even quiet, friendly animals may seem cross and nervous. Watch your pets closely and keep them within a fenced area with access to shelter and water. Rescue workers for the American Red Cross and The Humane Society of the United States have observed that family pets and farm animals often want to stay closer to “their” humans for some time after a disaster. Be patient and reassuring. If unusual behavior continues, visit your veterinarian.