What's Best for My Pets? Deciding to Stay or Go

Reprinted by permission of www.onestorm.org

When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You

The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you when you evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost, or killed.
Animals left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents.
Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster could mean death for the animal. Never let this happen.
If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals. When you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.
Remember to take a copy of your pet's vaccination records and their other important documents in your Grab-and-Go folder.
If you plan to evacuate to an animal-friendly shelter, you will have to pre-register your pet(s) at the shelter beforehand. Since these facilities are rare and fill up quickly, research where you and your pet can stay, and what you will have to bring with you when you stay there.

If You Don't Evacuate, Shelter in Place

If your family and pets must wait out a storm at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together.
Be sure to close your windows and doors, stay inside, and follow the instructions from your local emergency management office.
Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say there is an imminent problem. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them.
Keep dogs on leashes or in cages, place cats in carriers, and make sure all animals are wearing identification.
In the room designated as a "safe room," stock your emergency supplies in advance, including your pet's crate and supplies. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies.
If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door, or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape.
Listen to the radio periodically, and don't come out until you know it's safe.

If You Must Leave Your Pets Behind

Although this isn't recommended, there could be situations where this isn't avoidable. If you must leave your pets behind, follow these guidelines.

Place them in a room without windows that provides ventilation.
Leave plastic sheeting on the floor.
Do not place animals together in the same room. The stress of a disaster situation could cause animals to do unexpected things.
Provide animals with at least a 3 day supply of food.
Provide plenty of water (several gallons per animal) that cannot be easily knocked over.
In case of flooding, there should be access to a high area in the room.
Include familiar bedding and toys for the animal(s).
Place a notice on your front door stating what pets are in the house and the location of the pets. Include your contact information as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
Do not leave cats or dogs in cages or carriers. However, small animals such as amphibians or birds should be left in their cages.
Note that birds need to eat every day- so leave food in dispensers that regulate the amount of food given. Supply water in the cage, place the cage in a secure area, and place a thin sheet over the cage for security.

No Matter What, Don't Forget ID

Your pet should be wearing up to date identification at all times.
Make sure your current cell phone number is on your pet's tag.
It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area on the tag—if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number that will be answered if you're out of your home or if your cell phone is not working.

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