EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PLANNING FOR YOUR PET
Emergency and disaster preparation includes not only a plan for your family, but also proper preparation to ensure your pet's physical, medical and behavioral needs are met in the event of a disaster.
The importance of being prepared
The Global Estimates Report reveals that globally, 32.4 million people were forced to flee their homes in 2012 by disasters such as floods, storms and earthquakes. In New York City alone, an estimated 800,000 New Yorkers lost power as a result of Hurricane Sandy, and approximately 423 buildings were affected by lost power, heat, and/or hot water, according to the New York City Housing Authority. Would you know how to provide for your pet if you found yourself in a disaster situation?
HAVING A PLAN
PACKING IT IN...
+ Ensure you have a pre-packed Emergency Go Bag for your pet, with essential items that meet their basic physical, emotional and behavioral needs (see section below with suggested items). Preemptively stock up on any essentials that may be running low, like food or medications.
PROPER DOCUMENTATION...
+ Ask your vet about microchipping, whether your pet's rabies shots are up to date, and about getting supplies and properly storing any additional medication your pet may rely on to stay healthy. Make sure you have all your pet's licenses and medical records on hand - especially documentation of up to date rabies vaccinations. If you need an updated version, contact your vet immediately, before there is a state of emergency, as information may not be easily accessible at that point.
MAKE A LIST...
+ Print out lists and addresses/contact information of friends' homes or pet-friendly hotels in safe zones, at least two veterinary resources in your area, and identify where your neighborhood shelters are located. In NYC, pets are allowed to join you at these evacuation centers, so do not let that be a reason for staying in an unsafe area for leaving a pet behind. If outside of NYC, please check with your local Office of Emergency Management to find out their policy.
A FRIEND IN NEED...
+ Identify a family member, friend or neighbor who can come pick up your pet if you are unable to retrieve them yourself. Make sure that person is familiar with your pet, their usual hiding places, where your Emergency Go Bag for your pet is located, and that they come over regularly to interact with your pet. Already give him or her a copy of your key, or leave it with the neighbor or doorman, so that person has access to your apartment.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION...
+ In NYC, pets in carriers are allowed on MTA subways, buses, and trains. When an evacuation order is declared, pets too large for carriers will also be allowed, provided those animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no longer than four feet. The City will announce when this policy is in effect.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT...
+ Use storms as dress rehearsals to get your pet to the door using commands and treats.
Additional Behavioral Considerations and Tips can be found here, and don't forget to download an Emergency Preparedness Worksheet here.
+ Ensure you have a pre-packed Emergency Go Bag for your pet, with essential items that meet their basic physical, emotional and behavioral needs (see section below with suggested items). Preemptively stock up on any essentials that may be running low, like food or medications.
PROPER DOCUMENTATION...
+ Ask your vet about microchipping, whether your pet's rabies shots are up to date, and about getting supplies and properly storing any additional medication your pet may rely on to stay healthy. Make sure you have all your pet's licenses and medical records on hand - especially documentation of up to date rabies vaccinations. If you need an updated version, contact your vet immediately, before there is a state of emergency, as information may not be easily accessible at that point.
MAKE A LIST...
+ Print out lists and addresses/contact information of friends' homes or pet-friendly hotels in safe zones, at least two veterinary resources in your area, and identify where your neighborhood shelters are located. In NYC, pets are allowed to join you at these evacuation centers, so do not let that be a reason for staying in an unsafe area for leaving a pet behind. If outside of NYC, please check with your local Office of Emergency Management to find out their policy.
A FRIEND IN NEED...
+ Identify a family member, friend or neighbor who can come pick up your pet if you are unable to retrieve them yourself. Make sure that person is familiar with your pet, their usual hiding places, where your Emergency Go Bag for your pet is located, and that they come over regularly to interact with your pet. Already give him or her a copy of your key, or leave it with the neighbor or doorman, so that person has access to your apartment.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION...
+ In NYC, pets in carriers are allowed on MTA subways, buses, and trains. When an evacuation order is declared, pets too large for carriers will also be allowed, provided those animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no longer than four feet. The City will announce when this policy is in effect.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT...
+ Use storms as dress rehearsals to get your pet to the door using commands and treats.
Additional Behavioral Considerations and Tips can be found here, and don't forget to download an Emergency Preparedness Worksheet here.
EMERGENCY GO BAG SUGGESTED ITEMS
Below are items that you should have packed and ready in case of emergency, or even a last-minute weekend trip. You can pack them in a backpack, in your pet's carrier, or, if you have a larger dog, in a doggie backpack he/she can transport himself.
Essentials:
+ Nylon Collar and Leash
+ Muzzle (dogs)
+ Collapsable Bowl
+ Food for 3 days & container to fill with water
+ Towel (for drying off, warmth, and to drape over crate for comfort)
+ Litter Bags/Wee Wee Pads (dogs)
+ Litter Pan (cats)
+ Photos of you with your pet (for proof of ownership)
+ Proof of vaccination and medical records
+ Medical supplies and medications
+ List of emergency contacts, local evacuation shelter, pet-friendly hotels in safe zones, and local veterinary offices
Additional Behavioral Items for Consideration:
+ Rubber booties (to protect paws from contaminants and stress chewing/licking)
+ Calming Chews or DAP Collar
+ Braided Bully Stick (dogs)
+ Catnip toy (cats)
+ Busy Buddy Twist N Treat or other interactive toy
+ Caribeaner with laser toy (caribeaner so you can go hands-free, laser toy for stimulation)
+ Bandana (to keep pet cool or use as a tourniquet)
+ Thundershirt
Organizational:
+ Rescue Decals for doors
Essentials:
+ Nylon Collar and Leash
+ Muzzle (dogs)
+ Collapsable Bowl
+ Food for 3 days & container to fill with water
+ Towel (for drying off, warmth, and to drape over crate for comfort)
+ Litter Bags/Wee Wee Pads (dogs)
+ Litter Pan (cats)
+ Photos of you with your pet (for proof of ownership)
+ Proof of vaccination and medical records
+ Medical supplies and medications
+ List of emergency contacts, local evacuation shelter, pet-friendly hotels in safe zones, and local veterinary offices
Additional Behavioral Items for Consideration:
+ Rubber booties (to protect paws from contaminants and stress chewing/licking)
+ Calming Chews or DAP Collar
+ Braided Bully Stick (dogs)
+ Catnip toy (cats)
+ Busy Buddy Twist N Treat or other interactive toy
+ Caribeaner with laser toy (caribeaner so you can go hands-free, laser toy for stimulation)
+ Bandana (to keep pet cool or use as a tourniquet)
+ Thundershirt
Organizational:
+ Rescue Decals for doors