Take Care of Pets During an Emergency
Provided by FDA Veterinarian
To be sure you can properly take care of your pet during an emergency like Hurricane
Katrina, or during an evacuation, you must plan ahead.
Evacuating
If you have to leave your home, take your pet with you if at all possible. You’re
the best person to care for your pet. Also, as the American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) pointed out in a brochure it issued about preparing for a disaster, if the
situation is dangerous for people, it’s dangerous for animals, too.
But before you leave, know where you can take your pet. Find out which motels or
hotels are “pet friendly,” or which ones will accept pets in an emergency. Or plan
to go to the house of a friend or relative who will permit you to bring your pet.
Before you have to travel, get your pet used to a crate. Familiar surroundings might
help ease a pet’s anxiety.
Take pet food, medicines, vaccination records and information about pet insurance
if you have a policy. Assemble all of this into a disaster kit that you can grab
as you leave.
Relying on a Neighbor
If you get trapped away from your home due to a disaster or other emergency, your
pet will be better off if you have already made arrangements with your neighbor
or nearby friend to take care of the animal.
The temporary caretaker should have phone numbers to reach you and all the instructions
necessary to properly care for the animal. Those instructions should include a signed
authorization for veterinary care and financial limits to the veterinary care.
Afterward
Emergencies can make pets display unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors. Well-behaved
animals may become aggressive and defensive after a major disruption in their lives.
The animal may not return to more typical behavior for several weeks. Be careful
releasing an animal after an emergency, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Make
sure it cannot escape. Do not release the animal outside until you know the area
is safe.
Allow your pet plenty of time to rest and get used to new surroundings. Provide
familiar toys, if possible.
