With Hurricane Irene stalking the east coast of the U.S. many pet owners will be evacuating and may be wondering what to do with their pets. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of prior planning and including your pets in your family emergency plan. Here are a few tips that will help, as you begin to evacuate in the face of the storm.
Pets sense emotions from their owners and their behavior is affected by their environment. It’s important that you understand that pets may not act like they normally would. Severe weather, especially with lighting, loud wind, and rain, causes a great deal of stress. A normally placid pet will sometimes act aggressive and fearful. Aggressive or fearful pets may injure you or a stranger so make sure that they are crated or on a secure leash.
Most owners put collars on too loosely, which allows dogs to very easily slip out. Our clinic policy is too always use a slip leash on a patient when we take that dog from its owner. Slip leashes are much more difficult for the dog to get out of and therefore significantly increase your control ever them. A harness or gentle leader collar are good alternatives to slip leashes.
Make sure that your cats or small dogs are crated. Do not let them out of the crate until you have them placed securely in a cage in shelter. In my experience cats are the most unpredictable species in stressful situations. Even if your cat appears calm once you take it out of the carrier its fight or flight response may take over and it will bolt never to be seen again.
Find a pet friendly shelter; most Red Cross Shelters cannot accept pets due to health and safety concerns1. Veterinary clinics are of course the most pet friendly and the best able to meet the needs of your pets. Many veterinary clinics routinely accept boarders and are therefore ready to accept your pet until the danger passes. Even veterinary clinics that don’t normally accept boarders will be willing to give up some of their hospital space for pets needing to board during emergencies.
You may need a copy of your pet’s vaccine certificate, which should be a part of your 72 hour kit. Clinics require pets to be up to date on vaccines in order to decrease the chance of transmitting disease. Check with the clinic to determine their specific requirements. Take any medications or special food that your pet my need. If you forget, the clinic they are boarding at may be able to supply the needed medications or food, in which case records from your regular veterinarian are helpful.
As I have stated in previous articles microchipping your pet will help you be reunited, in the event that your pet does become lost in the storm. Even when boarding at a secure facility, having a microchip is insurance against unforeseen complications.
The next few days and weeks will be stressful for everyone, the time to prepare is gone. Act now by taking these suggestions to decrease the chance that you will suffer the heartache of a lost or injured pet.
1. BeRedCrossReady Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist