Disaster Planning For Your Pets

Disaster planning isn't just for your two-legged family.  It should also include plans on how to handle your four-legged friends too!

The Humane Society Of The United States provides a great summary of actions you should take ahead of time to plan on managing your pets in the case of a disaster.  Here is the HS Disaster Plan link.

Just an important update on a different, but related topic!  Recently there was an article about the dangers of xylitol and how it can be fatal to your pet.  Be sure you keep all foods, "sweets", gum, toothpaste, etc. that use this sweetner away from your pets!  See:  Keep Xylitol away from your pets.  

Here is another article that outlines 7 common foods that can be toxic and potentially fatal to your pets.  Learn more here:  Seven Foods Toxic To Your Pets.

In short here my brief summary of their recommendations:

1. Start NOW on creating your plan  (This is good advice for disaster plans in general, not just for your pets...)
2. Your pets should ALWAYS wear their collar on with identification.
   1. Consider "Chipping" your pets for further security, but this doesn't replace a clear collar identification with your phone number, ideally cell phone
   2. Consider a secondary number for further security.
3. Have all items in your disaster kit that are necessary care for your pets.  That includes food, medicines, and other required items. such as a bowl to feed/water them.
4. If possible, plan a safe place to stay ahead of time with your pets.  
   1. Check to see which hotels or relief shelters accept pets.
   2. Have a list of hotels and motels who accept pets as part of your disaster plan near your prefered evacuation location.
   3. Consider family or friends outside of the area.  Ask them ahead of time if your pets would be welcome in an evacuation emergency.
   4. Contact remote boarding kennels and/or veterinarian offices for support.
5. Make a plan for pet evacuation by a trusted individual, in the event that you are not home at the time of the emergency evacuation.
   1. This may be a family member, friend or pet sitter.
   2. Make sure they know what to do and have key access to your home.  
   3. Let them know where food and medications are to be taken with the animals.
   4. Be sure to have them LEAVE A NOTE or CONTACT you so you know the disposition of your pets.
6. If you evacuate, TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU.  If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them.
   1. Evacuate EARLY.  That will give you the most time AND increase your chances of finding a safe place that will accept your pets. 
7. If you stay home, make your environment safe for pets. Remember that in stressful situations, your pets may act in an entirely different manner than you are used to.
   1. Close off areas where they could hide.  They should be quickly available for evacuation.
   2. Remove dangerous items they might get into when nervous.
   3. Keep pets indoors and immediately available for evacuaion.
      1. Keep animal on leashes or in carriers for quick collection and evacuation.
8. Stay informed.
   1. Listen to the emergency broadcast on radio or TV.
   2. Follow their evacuation instructions.
9. After the disaster
   1. Don't return until allowed by authorities.
   2. Don't let pets roam free.  You may need to re-evacuate quickly OR they may be harmed by rescue workers.
   3. Be aware of the potential for wild animals in your home, garage or on your property. They may have been displaced during the emergency and have taken shelter in your home. (Remember, they are nervous and looking for shelter too!)

Let's hope you never have to evacuate yourself or your pets in an emergency.  However, you are far less likely to be harmed during such an emergency when you have a plan.  

There is no better time than today to create your personal disaster plan, and be sure to include your pets!

 WhiteCoat Risk Management provides these articles to help improve general risk awareness in all aspects of your life.  It is not responsible for any actions you take or fail to take regarding any aspect of your financial planning or risk management.  This article is provided for information purposes and is not intended to provide individualized advice. You alone are responsible for your financial decisions.  

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