Disaster
Prep 101
1 Have a Safe Place to Take
Your Pets
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot
accept pets because of state health and safety regulations
and other considerations. Service animals that assist
people with disabilities are the only animals allowed
in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not
impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the
midst of a disaster. So plan ahead! Do not wait until
disaster strikes to do your research. Hawaii is required
to have a few shelters on each island that are pet
friendly, find out ahead of time where they are.
2 Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster
Supplies Kit
Pet Disaster Supplies
Your plan of action for all of your pets should include,
but not be limited to the following:
• Each pet should have its own
kennel/crate with a photo on the crate. On the bottom
or back of the photo, write the pet’s name, sex,
and either your name and phone number(s). The pet carrier/crate
should be large enough for the pet to stand up and
turn around in.
• Each pet should have its own
food/water dishes. Have their names written on the
bottom of each bowl.
• Have a file on each pet containing
health history and vaccination dates. Should you be
required to take the pet to a shelter or animal-friendly
hotel with you, this information will be required.
• Have a leash and collar with
all pertinent information on the tags readily available.
This will include pet’s name, rabies tag and
contact phone number. |
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• Have an ample
supply of food and medication for the pet with specific
feeding and medication instructions written out in
clear handwriting. If the pet tends to be anxiety
ridden during storms or car travel, ask your veterinarian
for a prescription of sedatives to carry in the pet's
personal belongings bag.
• Remember that
you can not predict Mother Nature. You may be evacuated
much longer than you had originally thought. Pack
enough supplies for an extended stay. If you don't
need them, great! You can keep them on hand in case
of another emergency situation.
• Locate the area
evacuation shelters and pet-friendly hotels in and
around your state. Most shelters operate on a first-come,
first-served basis. Be one of the first to arrive
and give the pets plenty of time to settle in while
you are there with them. Keep pets on leashes at
all times.
• During or after
a natural disaster, a pet's behavior can temporarily
change. Packing a muzzle and harness is a good idea
in case behavior becomes less than desirable for
the place you are staying. The pets may be put into
close contact with many new pets they do not know
and they may have to be cared for by people they
do not know.
• Pack your car
with flashlights, batteries, trash bags, baby wipes,
newspapers and paper towels in case the pets either
get sick or go potty while in their crate.
*Article from Pet Sitter’s
International www.petsit.com
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