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Disaster Preparedness for Cats and Other Pets
Have a Disaster Kit and a Plan to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe
© Jennifer Copley
http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/shaya_weaver
May 13, 2009
Having a disaster kit for pets is a good idea, particularly for those who
live in areas that are prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.
House fires and human-made disasters such as a spill of hazardous
material may also require rapid evacuation, and it may be impossible
to gather supplies at the last minute.
Put Together a Pet Disaster Kit
Ideally, pet owners should have one disaster kit for the human members
of the household and another for the pets. A pet disaster kit should contain:
Pet identification
- A first aid kit for animals, including any medications they require
- Veterinary records, veterinarian’s phone number, and list of any special
medical requirements stored in a waterproof case
- At least 3 days’ worth of food and water for each pet, along with a
manual can opener in case the electricity is not working
- Blankets, bedding, and familiar toys that will comfort pets during
stressful events
- A carrier for each pet that is sufficiently large that the animal can
stand and lie down
- A leash and harness for each pet
- A litter box and litter
- Towels and/or paper towels, garbage bags, and cleaning solution in
case of accidents
Have a Disaster Plan in Place That Includes Your Pets
Be aware of local evacuation routes and have a plan in place that
includes your pets. First and foremost, make a list of nearby
organizations (and those in neighbouring areas) that you can call
upon if disaster strikes. Many emergency shelters that take people
don’t admit animals other than service dogs so in the event of a disaster,
you may have to find other accommodations for your pets. Options include:
- Pet-friendly hotels
http://www.petfriendly.ca/
- Veterinarians and emergency veterinary hospitals
- Animal boarding facilities
- Animal shelters as a temporary last resort
Leaving animals at home during a disaster is often a death sentence.
Frightened pets may starve, succumb to thirst, or escape outdoors,
falling victim to predators, accidents, or contaminated water and food
sources.
Make Arrangements for Backup
Pet owners may not be home when disaster strikes, so a key should be
left with a trusted nearby family member, friend, or neighbour.
Arrangements should be made to meet at a designated location in the
event of a disaster and/or evacuation order. Be sure to tell your backup
person where your pet is likely to hide if frightened, provide a list of
contact numbers where he or she can reach you, and make sure pets
are wearing ID at all times. Getting an implanted microchip increases
the chances that your pet can be identified and returned if lost.
Keep Pets Indoors When the Crisis Is Over
When returning to your home after an evacuation, keep pets indoors
until all problems (i.e., debris, contaminated water, etc.) have been
cleared away. If you have an outdoor cat, block the cat door and be
careful that he doesn’t escape outside until things have settled down.
Cats are particularly likely to become frightened by the chaos, and
may run off or become lost if familiar scents and landmarks have
been changed.
Further Reading
For more information on protecting pets, see
Cat Fences and Enclosures
http://cat-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/cat_fences_and_enclosures
Preventing Pet Theft
http://cat-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/preventing_pet_theft
How to Choose a Cat Kennel
http://cat-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_choose_a_cat_boarding_kennel
For more information on disaster preparedness, call 1-800-BE-READY or visit www.ready.gov.
Reference:
American Red Cross. (2008). Cat First Aid. Yardley, PA: StayWell.
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