Owners need to think about what they need to have ready and easily accessible in case of an emergency. If at all possible plans should be made to take pets in case of evacuation. Emergency shelters usually do not accept pets, so it will be necessary to make alternate arrangements for pets, and this can be tricky in the case of some exotic pets. It is wise to have a list of boarding facilities, vets, hotels (which accept pets), and shelters in a wide radius around your area, so you will have available contacts if you need to evacuate the pets. Your local animal shelter or vet may be able to provide guidance on planning for evacuation. Have a copy of medical records and, if applicable, vaccinations ready to go as well.
If you must leave your home or cannot take your pets with you, have a plan in place to try to make sure the pets will be as safe as possible. Place cages or tanks away from walls or windows, in a secure room. In case of flood make sure cages are off the floor and that there are accessible high areas for non caged pets. Make sure plenty of food and water is accessible. It is much safer to take pets with you if you can.
Remember that pets may react unpredictably to changes and the chaos created by the emergency. They may become stressed and very easily startled. Care should be taken to keep pets safely confined as they may bolt if scared. If possible have some form of identification on your pets - some pets can wear collars or harnesses with identification tags, and if this is not possible for your pet consider microchip identification. Have a recent photo of your pet on hand, to increase the chances of quickly reuniting with a lost pet.
The following sites contain much more detailed planning issues. Although sometimes specific to cats and dogs, most of the recommendations can be applied or adapted to a variety of pets. As well, some of the sites have information specific to exotic pets. These pages are well worth a read, taking what applies to make a plan for your household. None of these will guarantee the safety of your pet, but being well prepared will give you the best chance of making it through an emergency with the whole family intact.
- Pets and Disasters - on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site, tips for planning for your pets before a disaster, and what to do during and after a disaster/evacuation.
- Disasters and Pets - by Marianne Cowley. Information and planning for before, during and after a natural disaster. Good ideas.
- Pets and Disasters - on the FEMA for kids site, information on what to do with your pets before, during, and after an emergency. Includes a section on birds, reptiles and other pets.
- Pets and Disasters: Be Prepared - from the American Red Cross, and excellent article on preparing and caring for pets during an emergency.
- Helping Your Pet Survive a Disaster - prepared by the New Jersey Animal Emergency Preparedness & Response Committee - preparation and care during a disaster for situations that require evacuation and those that don't.
