August 28, 2007
In an effort to remember all the pets that were left behind after Hurricane Katrina made landfall two years ago, I would like to share several disaster readiness tips for pet parents that I found beneficial to follow. I hope these assist you when setting a plan for coping with the effects of disasters of any kind to remember to provide for your beloved pets’ health and safety needs, in addition to any you have in place for your human family members.
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Emergency and Disaster Animal Preparedness
As a conscientious animal owner you probably consider your pets as members of the family. In the event that a natural disaster hits your neck of the woods, are you prepared to take your pets with you and provide for all their needs during the evacuation time? If not, here are some guidelines:
Food and Water: Stock up on dry or canned food, being sure to include a mechanical can opener. When putting down a water supply, remember to have plenty available or your pet as well as a drinking bowl. A good rule is to pack a 5-7 day supply.
Medications: Be certain to have a sufficient supply on hand. Keep a photocopy of essential or life-supporting pet prescriptions in your emergency kit.
Identification: Microchipping your dog or cat will increase your chances of reuniting in case of separation during an emergency. By embedding a microchip with your contact information under your pet’s skin, a veterinarian or animal facility, with a simple scan, will be able to identify an animal’s owners. In some evacuation cases, a pet may have to go to a separate shelter or veterinary kennel since human shelters frequently prohibit animals for health and space reasons. If you reside in an area where evacuations are likely, be informed about pet shelter options before disaster strikes. In addition to microchipping, if you and your animals must be separated, be certain you also have your pets securely tagged and keep photocopies of the tags (and rabies tags as well) in your emergency kit. Also, have recent photos of your pets to make identifications easy and swift.
Transporting: If you must evacuate, make every effort to bring your pet. To ensure safe evacuation for a pet who may be stressed or agitated by the situation, use tagged leashes, collars and/or harnesses and keep the animal close by family members for both comfort and security. Smaller pets, especially felines, are best transported in well-ventilated wire crates or carriers.
Sanitation, First Aid: Pads, paper towels, rags, a litter supply, and pet-safe disinfectant will come in handy. Add some over-sized bandages and gauze strips to your family first aid kit if you have a larger animal.
Comfort Zone: A favorite blanket or chew toy can be just the thing to provide a sense of security for an animal under stress. In such times, take a moment to reassure your best friend that you are there, protecting him or her.
Credit: North Shore Animal League
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March 2, 2007
This was taken during my second trip doing post-Katrina animal rescue. To see the subject of this photo, focus between the lower center window frame. She was very much alone when we found her and very pregnant. I could tell she was friendly, but wary of strangers. Unfortunately, our traps were full, so we couldn’t bring her back that night. I did take note of where we were and a few days later an animal rescue friend caught her. After that she wasn’t alone anymore.
I posted this photo partially because it was a happy ending and partially to shed light to an ongoing situation in New Orleans right now. To quote from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Spring 2007 newsletter:
"Cats who survived the hurricane but were not rescued have given birth to new generations who are now entirely feral. Under houses, behind the debris and forlorn cars, thousands of cats are spread across miles and miles of wasteland – unfixed and breeding. [snip] Cats are very capable creatures, even in these dreadful conditions. And the mathematics of a cat population explosion are mind-boggling."
Best Friends Animal Society, with the support of the Louisiana SPCA and the Humane Society of the United States, has launched a trap/neuter/return campaign across affected areas of New Orleans. Also involved are Spay/Louisiana (a spay/neuter voucher program for local communities), the Southern Animal Foundation and Animal Rescue New Orleans.
To learn more go to: www.bestfriends.org/feralcats
Photographed in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 18, 2005.
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