HSUS urges wildfire disaster prep plan for pets
With wildfires hitting areas of Oregon, the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team has developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness check list to help keep pets safe.
Here’s their news release:
Our Animal Rescue team has established a disaster kit plan, to assist families with pets in the event of a weather-related catastrophe. Families are encouraged to have one of these ready in their homes at all times, especially in light of recent events.
Some items that should be included:
Food and water for at least five days for each pet. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. Medications for at least five days and all medical records, including vaccination history. Keep these stored in a waterproof container. You may also consider storing them digitally on a flash drive or online. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags for identification. Microchipping your pet is ideal as collars can be easily removed. A pet first aid kit. Litter box with extra liter and a scoop. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely. Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your animals. Comfort items that may include a pet bed or a special toy, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress. Written information about your pets feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian. This information can also be kept digitally as well. Other useful items:
Newspapers Paper towels Plastic trash bags Grooming items Household bleach Some helpful tips for yours and your furry family members safety:
If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet. Never assume that you will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter. Before a disaster hits, call your local office of emergency management to verify that there will be shelters in your area that take people and their pets. Have a list of hotels and motels that accept pets in a 100 mile radius of your home. Keeping in mind, that in a catastrophic event, local hotels will fill quickly and may not be available. Make arrangements with friends or relatives in advance to ensure that you and your pets are able to seek shelter in their home, if needed. If housing together is not an option, know the requirements of your kennel or veterinarian’s office for pet boarding. And as a last resort, connect with your local animal shelter to determine if they will offer temporary boarding during the time of crisis. Keeping in mind that they may also be impacted by the disaster and not be available to house animals.
Have a plan in place for when you are out of town or can’t get home to your pet when a disaster strikes. Find a trusted neighbor, friend or family member and give them a spare key. Ensure that they know your pets feeding and medication schedule, and if using a pet sitting service find out ahead of time if they will be able to help in the event of an emergency.
Please leave out a bowl of water for our wildlife friends. They too are trying to take themselves and their families to safety. Wildfires strike without warning and can leave families devastated. We hope that our suggested kit and tips above will give families in effected areas confidence that their pets are covered should disaster strike. To learn more about keeping your pet safe in the event of a disaster, please visit our website http://www.humanesociety.org .
