Keeping pets safe

• Advocate Marketing Staff
• Published: May 31, 2009

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In the event of a hurricane, it is not just humans who need preparations; pets need care, too.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many homeowners and pets were separated, causing much grief to pet owners and a crisis over the care of displaced animals. Since then, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 has mandated FEMA to ensure all state and local emergency plans address the needs of pets. More information on that can be found at http://www.ohsep.louisiana. gov/archive/2008/petplan 70908.htm.

Meanwhile, by following these tips – offered by the  WBRZ/National Hurricane Survival Initiative, the National Hurricane Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Humane Society of the United States – pet owners can be prepared.

When evacuating:

• Leave early. Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is better than waiting too long to leave safely with pets.
• Call hotels in a safe/host location and ask if you can bring your pets. Ask the manager if a no-pet policy can be lifted during the disaster. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. To find pet-friendly hotels, visit http://www.petswelcome.com.
• Shelters are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to determine availability.
• Make sure pets are current on vaccinations. Shelters might require proof of vaccines.
• Fasten an identification tag to the pet’s collar and carry a photograph of the pet. Include the phone number of a friend or family member on the tag so anyone who might find the pet can reach someone who knows the owner.
• Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes.
• Pack a week’s supply of food, water, food bowls and other provisions such as medication, cat litter and newspapers or trash bags for cleanup. Bring a manual can opener if packing canned food.
• Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand  and turn around.
• Bring toys, a blanket or a pet bed to keep the pet calm and comfortable, if space allows.
• Bring a first-aid book for pets, if you have one.

Leaving pets behind:

• If you must leave pets, call friends, family members, veterinarians or boarding kennels to arrange for care.
• Leave information about feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior and the name and number of the veterinarian.

When staying behind with pets:

• Bring pets indoors well in advance of a storm. Reassure them and remain calm.
• Identify a safe area or room in the home and put emergency supplies there in advance. Close windows and doors and fireplace vents.

After the disaster:

• Walk pets on a leash until they become reoriented. Often, familiar scents and landmarks are altered, and pets can become confused or lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can pose a threat.
• If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a picture of the pet.
• Be aware that after a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive. Monitor their behavior.

Web sites

• http://www.pets welcome.com
• http://www.hsus. org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/resources/disaster_preparedness_for_pets.html
• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/pet_plan.shtml
• http://www.lsart.org