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Animals and Disasters

Your animals need to be included in your family disaster plan since they depend on you for their well being. Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you if disaster strikes - including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, county extension service, local agricultural schools and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.

Pets

• If you must evacuate, do not leave your pets behind! There is a chance they will not survive or get lost before you return.
• With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters. Find out which motels allow pets and where boarding facilities are located. Boarding facilities will require veterinarian records to prove vaccinations are current.
• Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers - they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
• Only some animal shelters will provide care for pets during emergencies. They should only be used as a last resort. Use friends and family or keep them with you if possible.
• Be sure your pet has proper identification tags securely fastened to the collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash for your pet. Pets may need to be restrained during tense emergency situations.
• Create a disaster supply kit for your pet. Take it with you and be prepared to leave it with whoever assumes responsibility for your pet. Include:
• Pet food and water
• Medication and veterinary records
• Litter box
• Food and water dish
• First aid kit
• Information sheet with pet's name, feeding schedule and any behavior problems
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take. Confine your pet to a safe area inside. NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising that pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.
• Have a back-up plan in case you are not at home when an evacuation is ordered. Find a trusted neighbor who will agree to take your pets in case you are not there and meet you at a prearranged location. Make sure this person is comfortable with your pets, knows where they are likely to be and where to find your pet emergency kit.

Livestock

• Evacuate livestock wherever possible. Prepare in advance by having transportation and an evacuation destination prearranged. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible.
• The evacuation sites should have or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and facilities.
• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside.
• All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return.

Wildlife

• Wild or stray domestic animals can pose a danger during many types of disasters. Do not corner an animal. They may feel threatened and may endanger themselves or you. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities.