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Plan Ahead - Disaster Preparedness Information by category

 

Disaster Preparedness for Bird and Reptile Owners

With a little advance planning, you can save your pet's life during a disaster

BEFORE

Plan Ahead. Evacuation shelters do not welcome pets, so make pre-disaster plans for temporary placement of your pets. Determine the best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home.

Photographs and Identification. Keep a current photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible. Birds should be leg-banded.

Medical and Vaccination Records. Store these and other important documents in a zip-lock or waterproof plastic bag. Your animals need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.

Transportation. Each animal should have their own airline approved pet carrier. Normal cages may not be sturdy enough to hold your pet during a disaster. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency.

Aquariums. Fish tanks and aquariums are very top heavy and unstable. They should be secured or bolted to the wall studs or placed on the floor to prevent them from toppling.

Buddy System. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to get emergency treatment for our pet if you can't be located.

DURING

  • Evacuate your animals early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your and their stress.
  • Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System on the TV or radio.
  • Take all vaccination and medical records, the Emergency disaster kit, and enough food and water for two weeks.
  • Call your destination to make sure space is still available.
  • In cold weather, wrap a blanket around the carrier and warm up the car before placing animals inside.
  • Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.
  • Keep birds caged. They may sense danger and be difficult to capture.
  • If you must leave your animals, leave them in a safe area. Cover their cages with a light cloth or sheet. Take all identification/medical records and identification photos with you when you depart.

Do not rely on electric filters, feeding systems or other electric equipment during a disaster. The power may go out, leaving your pet stranded.

AFTER

  • Check animals for injury and exposure to chemicals. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
  • Monitor birds closely for several days after a disaster. Many commonly show signs of disease several days following a stressful episode. Consult a veterinarian immediately at any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, loose stool, depression, injury, or sitting on a cage bottom.
  • If you have to move to new surroundings, do not remove your bird from its cage until it is calm, then do so only in a closed room. Frightened birds may become aggressive or fly away.
  • If your bird has been without food and water for a prolonged time, give it small amounts every few hours for several days. Allowing the bird to engorge can be harmful. Work up to a normal volume of food gradually.
  • Let your bird have plenty of uninterrupted sleep to recover from the stress and trauma. Birds will usually remain calm in isolated, darkened areas with cages covered.

Disaster Preparedness Kit

  • Transportable Cage (airline carrier quality)
  • Cage cover/blanket
  • Non-spill food and water bowls/dispensers
  • Two weeks supply of food and water
  • Any special dietary instructions
  • Hot water bottle
  • Newspaper
  • First Aid items
  • Paper towels and plastic bags for cleanups
  • Disinfectants
  • Toys and treats
  • Water bowl for soaking and heating pad for snakes
  • Battery powered heat lamp
  • Veterinarian's information
  • A current photograph of each pet


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Disaster Preparedness for Dog and Cat Owners

BEFORE A DISASTER

Plan Ahead. DogIn the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters. Determine the best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home.

Identification and Photographs. Dogs and cats should always wear properly fitting collars, personal identification, rabies, and license tags. Make sure all the information on the tags is current. Keep a current photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible. You will need proof of ownership to retrieve your pet from a shelter.

Disaster Kit. Maintain a Disaster Preparedness Kit for each of your pets.

Paperwork and Records. Store important animal documents in a zip-lock or waterproof plastic bag. These should include vaccination and medical records.

Cat Vaccinations. Your pets need to be current on vaccinations. You will be required to show proof of vaccination if you need to board your pet.

Transportation. Each animal should have their own pet carrier. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency.

Leashes and Collars. Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness.

Buddy system. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your pet if you can't be located.

DURING A DISASTER

If possible, take your pet with you when you evacuate

If you take your pet:

  • Evacuate your pet early, if possible.
  • Take your disaster preparedness kit, including the pet's vaccination and medical records, as well as identification photographs with you.

    If you can't take your pet with you:

  • Bring your pet indoors. Do not leave pets chained outdoors.
  • Prepare a preselected site indoors for your pet. Use a room with no windows but adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie them up.
  • Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible, open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.
  • Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over-eaten.House cats and dogs separately, even if they normally get along.

AFTER THE DISASTER

  • Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Monitor your pets closely and keep them leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior.
  • Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, debris, and local wildlife.
  • If you find a pet, call animal control or any emergency phone numbers set up after the disaster. Isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner, or can be examined by a veterinarian.

    If you've lost your pet:

  • Visit each shelter in your area at least once every other day. You must check the shelter in person; you are the only person who can truly identify your animal. Keep a current photo of your pet showing or describing any distinctive markings.
  • Create a flyer with your pet's photo and description, pet's name, your name and phone numbers where you can be reached.
  • When you do find your pet, immediately examine it for illness or injuries. Obtain medical attention from your veterinarian if needed. Use caution when handling animals. Panicky or injured animals may bite.
  • Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over-eaten.House cats and dogs separately, even if they normally get along.

Disaster Preparedness Kit

  • Pet carrier or cage for each pet
  • Two week supply of food and water
  • Non-spill food and water bowls
  • Medications and dosing instructions
  • Pet first-aid kit
  • Vaccination and medical records
  • Your veterinarian's information
  • Cat litter box and litter
  • Newspaper
  • Plastic bags for waste disposal
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfectants
  • Leash and collar/harness
  • Blankets
  • Toys and treats

Be sure to provide your pets with as many amenities as possible. Remember, they are counting on you for their survival and support!


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Disaster preparedness for horse owners

BEFORE A DISASTER

Plan Ahead.Determine the best place for animal confinement in case of a disaster. Find alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps are not working or have a hand pump installed. You should have a minimum of three days feed and water on hand.

Evacuation. Decide where to take your horses if evacuation is necessary. Contact fairgrounds, equestrian centers, and private farms/stables about their policies and ability to take horses temporarily in an emergency. Have several sites in mind. Familiarize yourself with several evacuation routes to your destination.

Identification. This is critical! Photograph, identify, and inventory your horses. Permanent identification such as tattoos, brands, etched hooves or microchips are best. Temporary identification, such as tags on halters, neck bands, and duct tape with permanent writing will also work. Include your name and phone number. Keep identification information with you to verify ownership. (Breed registration papers may already have this information.)

Medical Records and Vaccinations. Your horses need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions, allergies, and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.

Vehicles. Keep trailers and vans well-maintained, full of gas, and ready to move at all times. Be sure your animals will load. If you don't have your own vehicles, make arrangements with local companies or neighbors before disaster strikes.

Fire Preparation. In high risk areas, clear fire breaks around your house, barns, and property lines. Keep fire fighting tools in one location.

Flood Preparation. Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness.

DURING A DISASTER

  • Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) on the TV or radio.
  • Evacuate your horses early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your stress.
  • Take all vaccination and medical records, the Emergency disaster kit, and enough hay and water for three days.
  • Call your destination to make sure the site is still available.
  • Use roads not in use for human evacuation when you transport your horses to the sheltering site.
  • If you must leave your animals, leave them in the preselected area appropriate for disaster type. Leave enough hay for 48 to 72 hours. Do not rely on automatic watering systems. Power may be lost.
  • The leading causes of death in large animals during disaster are:
    • Collapsed barns
    • Kidney failure due to dehydration
    • Electrocution from downed power lines
    • Fencing failures

AFTER THE DISASTER

  • Check fences to be sure they are intact. Check pastures and fences for sharp objects that could injure horses. Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris.
  • Beware of local wildlife that may have entered the area and could pose a danger.
  • Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and animals can easily become confused and lost.
  • If you find someone else's animal, isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner or can be examined by a veterinarian.
  • Always use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened horses. Work in pairs.
  • If you've lost an animal, contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, surrounding farms, and other facilities. Listen to the EBS for groups that may be accepting lost animals.
  • Check with your veterinarian and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch for information about possible disease outbreaks. in large animals during disaster are:

Disaster Preparedness Kit

  • Portable radio and extra batteries
  • Plastic trash barrel with a lid
  • Water buckets
  • Stored feeds
  • Non-nylon leads, halters, and shanks
  • Leg wraps
  • Horse blanket or sheet
  • First Aid items
  • Tarps
  • Portable generators
  • Flashlights
  • Shovel
  • Lime or bleach
  • Fly spray
  • Wire cutters
  • Sharp knife
  • Hoof Pick

Be sure to provide your pets with as many amenities as possible. Remember, they are counting on you for their survival and support!


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Contact information for large animals and livestock

Government Agencies

General information about FEMA and Emergency Management Activities.

Disaster preparedness and planning for animals in emergencies and links to other sites.

Information and course materials for the independent study Animals in Disasters training courses. Course materials for the two courses can be downloaded, and a final exam may be completed online.

Weather information and warnings for the United States.

Information on OES activities, state disaster planning, and types of emergencies. Includes links to mapping resources, related agencies, and weather reports. The California Specialized Training Institute can also be accessed through this site. CSTI provides training in SEMS and other emergency response activities.

CDFG programs and information about oil spill response activities.

Veterinary Medicine Cooperative Extension program through UC Davis. All or part of the DANR Guide to Disaster Preparedness Resources can be downloaded from this site.

Non–Profit Organizations

Disaster relief and preparedness information.

General information about disaster relief efforts worldwide.

Information about veterinary activities throughout the United States. Includes links to state Veterinary Medical Associations.

Includes an order form for the AVMA Disaster Planning Guide.

CVMA disaster response programs. Includes a directory of CVMA member veterinarians.

Disaster relief efforts of the Cat Fanciers Association and disaster preparedness.

Information on disasters worldwide. Includes disaster preparedness information for pets.

Information about the team's activities and policies

Includes a section on disaster relief.

Links to disaster preparedness sites and information for horse and pet owners.

Includes information on their Emergency Relief Team.

Information about their Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS).


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Disaster Preparedness Brochures for Pets and Livestock


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Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services
Emergency Preparedness Support Unit
1220 N Street, Room A-161
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 651-0399
Fax: (916) 651-7299
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov