DogE 911
Contact us today!
Disaster Information~
DogE911 considers animals a part of the family, so we believe it is imperative to plan ahead
to include them in your disaster preparation. They depend on us, & we can
not let them down!
With national animal laws changing every day & the human-animal bond ever so prevalent,
one must prepare for their pets future in any disaster situation. Disasters can be either natural or man-made. No matter which is the case, all are time-sensitive. Planning ahead with your animals will always make things less stressful & save time
for both you & your pets.
DogE911 Checklist:
* ANIMAL FIRST AID / DISASTER KIT~ Items for each specific type of animal you own & kept inside a waterproof, air tight, & portable container.
* ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION~ Microchipping is good idea with proof of animal ownership vital during a disaster. Can include collars & tags, halters, leg or neck bands, photographs, & microchip numbers. Attach current phone numbers, email address, & alternative contacts on all pets identification.
* ANIMAL RECORDS~ Have all veterinary records & vet's contact info, vaccine records, medication list, allergies, special needs, etc. & keep laminated or inside a sealed bag.
* TRANSPORT~ Can include crates, carriers, cages, trailers, pens, etc. Get animal accustomed to crate / trailer ahead of time & all types of carriers should be clearly identified with contact info.
* RESTRAINT~ Includes leashes, harnesses, halters, etc. & used to keep control.
* MEDICATIONS~ Have at least 2 weeks dosage on hand.
* FOOD & WATER~ Food includes three-day supply if evacuating, & two-week supply if
shelter at home. Water equals one gallon per animal per day, though some animals require more.
* CLEAN UP~ Can include bleach, trash bags, newspapers, paper towels, litter, poop bags, old towels, etc.
* EXTRAS~ Can include bowls, feeders, buckets, treats, toys, blankets, beds, a shirt or pillowcase that has your scent on it, etc...really any favorite items to reduce stress levels. For birds, reptiles, & / or fish this can include misters, heating pads, filters, traveling carriers, covers, etc.
* EVACUATION PLAN~ NEVER leave your animals behind, they can not care for themselves!
CA Bill AB 450 basically states...'If We Go, They Go!' Check out this bill, other states legislation, or the PETS Act of 2006 by clicking on the orange box to the left.
Include finding a place to stay with your animals. Check ahead of time
with relatives & friends, motels, shelters, campgrounds, etc. Sometimes during disaster situations, hotels & shelters make exceptions for pets. If you can not be with your pets or you have livestock / horses, then it is imperative to find prior arrangements. Most animal shelters & humane societies take smaller animals, also check with day care / kennels,
animal rescues, & vets. Options for larger animals include rescues, farms, fairgrounds,
race tracks, & ranches. Check with your local humane society / animal shelter about specific county facilities available for your animals. Certain farms / kennels have space & make prior arrangements for displaced animals.
* DRILL & TRAIN~ Animals sense anxiety, so if we are prepared then it helps them remain calm. Practice evacuation plans with animals & teach basic commands / hand signals.
* BACK UP PLAN~ Post animal evacuation stickers (include hiding places for pets) on
windows for first responders & set up buddy system with neighbors. Know community disaster plan & contacts in case not at home when disaster strikes.
* EVACUATE~ Know when to leave & when to stay! If emergency management says to evacuate, then do so as quickly as possible. If told to shelter in place, then bring animals inside & seal up home or barn.
* COLLECTION~ Collect animals, kits, & supplies. Remain calm above all things! Animals
can react extremely different during disaster, so be prepared to muzzle / swaddle / restrain
if necessary.
* STAY TOGETHER~ If at all possible! Many human shelters are set up near animal sheltering facilities to be near pets. This reduces stress for both during disaster situations.
* LOOSE ANIMALS~ Contact local animal shelter / humane society, pet rescue, equine evacuation, or wildlife rescue. For injured & loose wildlife can contact: www.wildliferehabber.org to find closest facility nearby.
* RETURN HOME~ Only go home once considered safe & understand there is much recovery time. Try to return things back to normal, animals like routines.
* IF SEPARATED~ Don’t ever give up! Having determination, along with proper identification, proof of ownership, photos, etc. can help reunite much sooner. Use internet resources like www.petfinder.com & www.petamberalert.com.
* FINAL NOTE~ Remember animals depend on us...do not let them down by being unprepared during a time of crisis!
Details
* Consider taking one
of our DogE911 animal first aid & disaster
training courses today!
Please see our Classes page for
more information.
Disaster references:
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Ready.gov
American Red Cross
HSUS (Humane Society of the
United States)
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
American Humane
AVMA (American Veterinary
Medical Association)
