Animals For Success

Disaster Planning for Pets

With emergency preparedness becoming part of our culture these days, all of us who share our homes with companion animals can take steps to ensure the safety of our loved ones. Sudden evacuations and disasters can mean pets who become lost, stranded or temporarily homeless.

In Washington, D.C., animal shelters already filled to near-capacity can quickly become overwhelmed, and pets are not allowed in public emergency shelters set up for people. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following advice for pet guardians. We’ve augmented these suggestions with some of our own.

1. Plan ahead. If you must evacuate, it’s best to take pets with you. In the District of Columbia, you are required to bring pets with you if you evacuate. Contact motel chains to find out which ones allow pets. Many do.

2. Ask friends and relatives if they would be willing to house your pets in an emergency.

3. Prepare a list of boarding kennels and visit them ahead of time to be sure you’re comfortable with them.

4. Make an emergency kit for your pets. Include vaccination records; portable carriers for small pets (and dogs, if desired) labeled with your name and contact information; three days’ supply of food, a non-electric can opener, portable bowls, water, and any other supplies your pets need.

5. Make sure cats and dogs are wearing an ID tag in case they get lost. Have your cell phone number or a second contact number on the ID in case your home is destroyed.

6. Designate two people as your emergency caretakers in the event something happens to you when you are not at home. They should have keys to your home and be prepared to care for or make arrangements for your pets if you are injured or missing.

7. If you must leave your pets behind, barricade them in a safe room with three days’ supply of food and water in containers that cannot be knocked over. If possible, leave them in a room that has access to a bathroom and leave the faucet or tub dripping, making sure there is no stopper in place. Separate cats and dogs even if they normally get along. Whenever possible, dogs should not be left this way as they will suffer while waiting to be let out to relieve themselves.

8. NEVER leave animals tied up outdoors during an evacuation.