Pets, Livestock and Disaster: Be Prepared

Our pets enrich our lives. In turn they depend on us for their safety and well-being. The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a disaster is to include them in your Family Disaster Plan. Being prepared can save their lives.

Different types of disasters require us to respond in different ways. No matter whether the disaster is a flood or a hazardous material incident, you may have to evacuate and move to a safer area. If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can to do protect your pet is to take them with you.

Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pet
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of Washington State health and safety regulations. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross disaster shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your pets in the midst of a disaster. So, plan ahead!

• Contact hotels and motels outside you immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.
• Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your pets.
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency.
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Keep essential items in an accessible place and store them in a sturdy container that can be carried easily. Your pet's disaster supplies should include:

• Medications and medical records and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure your pets don't escape.
• Current photos of your pets should they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if they are easily transported.

Know What To Do When a Disaster Strikes

• At the first hint of disaster call ahead to confirm emergency shelter for your pets.
• Check to ensure your pet disaster supplies are ready to go.
• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars.
• You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a neighbor would be willing to take your pet and meet you at a prearranged location.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.

For further information, contact the American Red Cross, Southwest Washington's Director of Emergency Services or call (360) 693-5821 x 105 or Toll Free (888) 434-1966 x 105.

Visit these sites for more information:

Humane Society for Southwest Washington
The Humane Society of the United States
The American Veterinary Medical Association

Barnyard Animal Rescue Plan: Develop a Barn Safety and Evacuation Plan:

Your evacuation plan should:

1. Outline each type of disaster and determine specific scenarios suited for each situation.
2. Include a list of resources such as trucks, trailers, pasture and/or feed which might be needed in an evacuation.
3. Designate a person who will unlock gates and doors and make your facility accessible to emergency personnel.

Once that is accomplished:

• Post your plan in a clearly visible place.
• Make sure that everyone who lives, works or boards at your barn is familiar with the plan.
• Get to know your neighbors and their animals.
• Select a neighbor who is familiar with your evacuation plan and will assist should a disaster occur when you are not at home.
• Become familiar with your neighbors evacuation plan in order to assist should they not be home.
• Post an updated phone list (home and office) of neighbors, anyone who boards at your facility and veterinarians.

Food and Water Requirements:
Water is ALWAYS given free choice to all animals. Animals, like people, can go for extended periods without food, but can only last a couple of days without water. The values listed below are approximate for adult animals per day. Quantities may vary with temperature, workload, stress and disease. Sources of feed should be identified prior to a disaster.

BE PREPARED:

• Reduce hazards
• Maintain a firebreak around ALL buildings
• Mow weeds and trim trees close to any buildings
• Regularly clean roofs and gutters
• Repair exposed wires, rotten supports and blocked waterways
• Post NO SMOKING signs
• Clearly label all shut-offs
• Store combustibles, such as hay, straw, wood and/or fuel away from animal barns
• Keep an adequate water source

Your facility should be equipped with ladders long enough to reach the roof, cotton ropes, shovels, rakes, water buckets, flashlights or lanterns, blankets and a minimum of 100 feet of hose. Restraining equipment such as cotton halters, cotton lead ropes, hog snares, blindfolds, fence panels and hot wire kits are a must. Keep portable first aid kit(s) and a battery powered radio. Successful disaster preparedness and evacuation depends on knowing where emergency equipment is stored, keeping it easily accessible and being familiar with the disaster plan.