The centenary of the Great San Francisco Earthquake is prompting a great deal of concern about the aftermath of a disaster. As we saw during Hurricane Katrina, many pet owners refused to evacuate without their companion animals. The authorities are now beginning to realize that the same situation will probably happen in San Francisco if/when a disaster occurs.
The SF/SPCA is reminding pet owners to take steps now to prepare for disasters. We need to be ready to care for our animals. They depend on us.
EMERGENCY HOUSING
If you are forced to evacuate your home, don't leave your pet behind. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet. Always have a pet carrier ready for a quick departure.
However, if for some reason you absolutely must leave your cat or dog behind, bring them inside; do not leave a dog tied outside. Leave plenty of water in a large, non-tip, open container, and leave food in a dispenser-style bowl so your pets can't eat it all at once. Do not tie or cage your dog or cat.
Most disaster relief shelters do not admit animals, so explore emergency housing options for your pet in advance. Find out if any motels or hotels in the area accept guests with dogs or cats. Keep an up-to-date list of area veterinarians and kennels that might board your pet. Make arrangements for temporary pet housing with friends or family members.
IDENTIFICATION
Make sure your pet wears an identification tag at all times. Your telephone may not work in the wake of a disaster, so I.D. tags should include a friend or relative's phone number as well as your own. Keep a supply of write-on tags, in case you are forced to leave your home. Make sure your pet wears a tag with its new address, however temporary.
Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping. A tiny microchip, implanted under the skin, serves as a permanent identification for your pet.
Have several close-up photos and a record of your pet's size, weight and special markings. If your dog or cat is lost, you can use this information to prepare posters and flyers. It will also identify you as the owner if your pet is found.
Birds can wear identification leg rings. However, experts discourage leg rings on small animals, such as hamsters, mice, or rabbits.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
Secure bird cages, aquariums and small animal habitats with tie-downs or brackets, and make sure they have latches or locks so your pets won't escape during an earthquake. Accustom your pets to a carrier or portable kennel that can be used for temporary shelter.
Put together an emergency supply kit for your pet.
Include:
- A week's supply of food and fresh water for each pet, stored in lightweight containers. Bird seed spoils, so replace it every six months. Water doesn't keep indefinitely either; it should be replaced every few months. Store one quart of water for each 10 lbs. of body weight per pet, per day.
- Lightweight food bowls
- Can opener
- Portable carrier or crate
- Copies of your pet's up-to-date vaccinations certificates
- A two week supply of any medication your pet needs, and a copy of the prescription, in a waterproof container
- A leash and collar for dogs
- A collar and leash or harness for cats
- Portable litter box and litter
- Extra blankets
- Paper towels
- Large plastic bag for litter disposal or dog cleanup
- Some familiar toys
- A flashlight
- A list of emergency phone numbers: your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary clinic, boarding kennels, local animal shelters
- A supply of cash to pay for emergency boarding
- A pet first aid kit and pet first aid book, large and small bandages, scissors, tweezers, Q-tips, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, elastic tape, eye wash, ear cleaning solutions, and K-Y jelly.
PETS INSIDE
Check with your fire department about putting signs on your front and back doors to alert fire and rescue crews to the presence of pets, in case you're not home when disaster strikes. Fire officials may recommend that you date the signs, and take them down when you move, so rescue personnel won't put themselves at risk to save a pet who is no longer in residence.
Natural disasters - from earthquakes to fires and floods - can put pets in jeopardy, and separate them from their families. Ensure the well-being of your pets by preparing for disasters in advance.
