5 Ways to Protect Your Pets During a Natural Disaster
Shannon King, Charity Director
The end of summer has brought intense heat and fires in the West as well as several devastating hurricanes in South Eastern United States. Natural disasters can be very frightening things to be caught in. These events can be just as bad for our pets as they are for us.
Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, it’s important to act to protect your pet. “It’s critical for pet owners to consider their animals when preparing for any disaster, and we strongly urge them to always bring their animals with them if they have to evacuate their home,” said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “The ASPCA stands ready to assist animals in Hurricane Irma’s path, but the first and best line of defense for a pet will always be a well-prepared owner.”
Pet owners are urged to take the following steps:
- If your home isn’t safe for you during a tropical storm or hurricane, it isn’t safe for your pets. If you evacuate, take your pets with you. Never leave your pets behind or leash them to poles or trees, which prevents them from escaping high waters and getting to safe areas. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse.
- Make sure all pets are wearing ID tags with up-to-date contact information. Consider micro-chipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times.
- Create a portable pet emergency kit. Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away quickly. Just as you do with your own emergency kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Your pets emergency kit should include the following items:
- Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Water: Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets, in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
- Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
- First-aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first-aid reference book.
- Extra Identification: Your pet’s kit should include a backup leash, harness, collar and ID tag.
- Important documents: Place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container.
- Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, a crate or pet carrier can help protect your pet.
- Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches or those with added cleaners.
- A picture of you and your pet together: If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
- Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
- Choose a designated caregiver, such as a friend or relative outside the evacuation zone, who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable.
- Download the free ASPCA mobile app, which allows pet owners to store crucial pet records needed for boarding pets at evacuation shelters.
Whether you leave early, choose to stay, or are required to evacuate, remember to stay calm. Your pet can sense your emotions. Use a calm, loving voice when talking to your pets which can lead to a less-panicked companion.
