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When Disaster Strikes

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Catastrophic Situations Catastrophes come in many forms: earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet?

Be Aware of Dangers Unfortunately, most pet owners are unsure of what action they would take if ever faced with such a situation. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey reports that many pet owners have thought about a disaster situation, but are not sure what they would do to care for their pet. The best thing any responsible pet owner can do is to be prepared. Prepare A Disaster Kit The American Red Cross, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and FEMA (Department of Homeland Security) all recommend having a disaster travel kit readily available should you need to hit the road with Rover or Miss Kitty. Your evacuation kit should be readily assessable, easy to carry and contain essential pet supplies for at least five days. Consider keeping the following basic items in your pet disaster kit: Food, water and portable feeding bowls Collar, leash, rope and/or harness Pet medications, medical records and the name and number of your veterinarian Garbage bags or doggie waste bags, small litter box, scoop and litter Current photos of your pets  Carriers and/or portable kennel You might also consider taking along pet toys and bedding to help reduce your pets’ stress and to keep them as comfortable as possible.  Researching shelters and boarding facilities for your pet now can help you avoid the difficulties of locating a place for your pet to stay during a disaster. Locate A Shelter That Accepts Pets Should you have to evacuate to a shelter, it is important to keep in mind that Red Cross and some other shelters may not accept pets due to state health and safety regulations. Therefore, it may be necessary to board your pet. Researching shelters and boarding facilities for your pet now can help you avoid the difficulties of locating a place for your pet to stay during a disaster.  Red Cross Tips For Finding Safety Make inquiries. Contact hotels outside of your immediate area and ask if they have pet-friendly policies and/or restrictions. You might even ask if “no pet” policies can be waived in case of an emergency. Make sure to keep a list with phone numbers of pet-friendly places. Reach out to friends. Check to see if friends or relatives outside of the disaster area would be willing to shelter your animal. Make a list. Write down the names and the phone numbers of boarding facilities and veterinarians that can shelter animals during an emergency. Like everything else, preparing now can pay off later. Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone >>

Suggested Reading Moving Your Pet to a Different Climate—Safely Prepare your pet to adapt.  My Pet Swallowed What? Household items can harm your pet. Jake's Story It was the second day of their 10-day hunting trip in Montana when Jake got some type of sharp sliver between the web of his paw. The closest vet was 27 miles away. Read More >>