The following information is available here. There is a CD-Rom available for purchase but can be viewed here free of charge.
Saving the Whole Family
Nature and life have fury days. Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism…Devastating natural and man made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for yourself and your animals in case of disaster.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed this booklet to help you
avoid having to leave your animals stranded in the event of a disaster or an evacuation.
Visit www.avma.org for the most current information and for links to additional Web sites.
Do Not Wait Until It Is Too Late
Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a “short time” only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks. Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these TAKE YOUR ANIMALS WITH YOU.
It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger.
Familiarize yourself with each type of disaster that could affect your area, not forgetting
a hazardous materials spill.
Be prepared for the possible disruption of services for extended periods of time, including electric, phone, and local food and water sources. Having a plan in place and practicing the plan prior to a disaster will help you
accomplish a successful evacuation and maintain the safety of your animals.
Preparing a Disaster Plan
1. Set up an appointment to talk to your VETERINARIAN about disaster planning.
2. Assemble an animal EVACUATION KIT.
3. Develop an evacuation plan for all your animals and practice the plan.
4. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with the management and are able to evacuate via the stairwell. Dogs should be taught to go up and down stairs to better assist rescue personnel.
5. Keep written directions to your home near your telephone. This will help you explain to emergency responders exactly how to get to your home.
6. Identify alternative sources of food and water.
7. Have well maintained backup generators for use in food-animal production operations.
8. Keep all vehicles well maintained and full of gas.
9. Keep emergency cash on hand.
10. If you have horses or livestock, good barn and field maintenance can reduce danger.
11. Decide on the safest housing location if evacuation is impossible, realizing that the situation is still life-threatening. Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures, promptly remove dead trees, and minimize debris in the fields and immediate environment.
In Case You Are Not At Home
Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, barn doors, and pasture entrances to notify neighbors, fire fighters, police, and other rescue personnel that animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies.
Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type, and location of your animals, noting favorite hiding spots, in order to save precious rescue time.
To facilitate a successful rescue, provide muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets, and animal restraints where rescue personnel can find them. Keep in mind that animals may become unpredictable when frightened.
Designate a willing neighbor to tend to your animals in the event a disaster occurs when you are not at home. This person should have a key to your home, be familiar with your animals, know your evacuation procedures, and know where evacuation supplies are kept.
In your evacuation kit, keep a pre-signed letter that releases your neighbor from responsibility if one of your animals becomes injured during the evacuation. You may also want to have a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorization with your Evacuation Kit – this will aid your veterinarian if your animal must be treated during your absence.
Identification
Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, may help reunite you with your animal(s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation. If possible, include your veterinarian’s name, location, and phone number. Examples of some forms of identification are listed below:
Small Animal Identification
1. collar tag (a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag can provide evacuation site information – use waterproof ink)
2. microchip
3. tattoo
4. temporary neckband
5. waterproof pouch attached to collar with identification information inside
6. many reptiles may be marked with a permanent felt-tipped marker
7. clear identification on cage/housing for confined animals
Equine Identification
1. microchip
2. tattoo
3. halter tag
4. neck collars
5. leg band
6. brand
7. mane clip
8. luggage tag braided into tail or mane
9. clipper-shaved information in animals’ hair
10. livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water-soluble spray paint, or non-water-
soluble markers to write on the animals’ side
11. permanent marker to mark hooves
Livestock Identification
1. neck chain
2. ear notches
3. leg band
4. ear tag
5. brand
6. livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water-soluble spray paint, or non-water soluble markers to write on the animals’ side
7. wattle notching
8. ear tattoo
9. back or tail tag
Transportation/Housing
It is important to separate animals from different households as much as possible to maintain the best possible hygiene to decrease disease transmission.
Small Animal
1. Leash, collar, and/or harness for each pet.
2. Collapsible cage or airline approved carrier should be available for each
pet, and bedded properly, for transportation and housing purposes – owning enough carriers to accommodate your pets facilitates a speedy evacuation and may mean the difference between the life or death of your pet.
3. Familiarize your animals with evacuation procedures and cages/carriers.
Take the cage/carrier out several times a year and put dog or cat treats inside with blankets or toys. By doing this, you hope to reinforce positive feelings associated with the animal carrier.
4. Cat carriers should be large enough to hold a small litter pan and two small
dishes and still allow your cat enough room to lie down comfortably or stand to use the litter pan.
5. Dog kennels or collapsible cages should be large enough to hold two no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your dog to stand and turn around.
6. For added assurance, clearly label each carrier with your identification and contact information.
7. Locate and PREARRANGE an evacuation site for your family and animals
outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative or a pet-friendly hotel that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster. Other possible animals housing options include veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.
Equine/Livestock
1. Equine/livestock evacuation can be challenging
2. Develop an evacuation plan and make sure that animals are familiar with being loaded onto a trailer.
3. Premises with facilities that are specifically designed to load and handle livestock will be much more successful in evacuating and relocating livestock.
4. Locate and prearrange an evacuation site for your animals outside your immediate area.
5. Possible sites include:
a. veterinary or land grant colleges
b. racetracks
c. show grounds
d. pastures
e. stables
f. fairgrounds
g. equestrian centers
h. livestock corrals
i. stockyards or auction facilities
j. other boarding facilities
6. If you do not have enough trailers to transport all of your animals to an evacuation site quickly contact neighbors, local haulers, farmers,producers, or other transportation providers to establish a network of
available and reliable resources that will provide transportation in the event of a disaster.
Veterinary Records
Make photocopies of important veterinary documents to store in the evacuation kit.
Vaccination records
Vaccination type and date
Rabies certificate, if applicable
Medical history
Important test results, such as Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
(Felv/FIV), heartworm, equine infectious anemia (Coggins test), tuberculosis, and brucellosis
Medical conditions and medications (including drug name, dosage, and frequency of dosing)
If your animal has a microchip, a record of the microchip number
For cattle: If an individual animal is or has been medically treated and is still under a withdrawal period, a treatment record must be maintained. The record must include the animal’s ID or group ID, date of treatment/s, the drug used and drug manufacturer’s serial or lot number, dosage of drug administered, route and location of administration, and the person administering the drug. The earliest date the animal could clear the
withdrawal period for the administered drug should also be listed.
Proof of Ownership
Make copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information to store in the evacuation kit. List each one of your animals and their species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics. Keep current photographs of your animals in the evacuation kit for identification
purposes. Include yourself in some of the photos to help you reclaim your lost animal(s). Consider preparing waterproof “Lost Pet” signs with your animal’s photo attached, your name, and your contact information to use in case your animal is lost. If your pet has a microchip, call the company to register your pet’s information and make sure to keep that information updated.
List of Important Emergency Contacts
1. Prepare this list now before a disaster strikes. Include addresses and 24- hour contact numbers, if available. These contacts can be used by rescue personnel responding to disasters affecting your animals or by you during a disaster or an evacuation. Keep one copy near your telephone and one copy in your animal evacuation kit.
2. Numbers where you may be reached (pager, cell phone, work phone)
3. Your prearranged evacuation site
4. Local contact person in case of emergency when you are not available
5. Out-of-state contact person
6. Your veterinarian’s name, clinic name, and phone numbers
7. Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
8. Boarding facility (local)
9. Hotels that allow pets (90 mile radius)
10. Local Animal Control
11. Local Police Department
12. Local Fire Department
13. Local Public Health Department
14. Local animal shelter
15. Local Red Cross chapter
16. Local Humane Society
17. Local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
18. List of internet “lost and found” animal sites
Additional contacts for equine/livestock owners:
1. State veterinarian
2. State veterinary colleges or land grant colleges of agriculture
3. Private stables/farms
4. County Extension office; this is especially important for livestock owners
5. Brand inspector, if applicable
6. Applicable state and county livestock associations
7. Racetracks
8. Fairgrounds
9. Show grounds
10. Stockyards
11. Equestrian centers
12. Local haulers or neighbors to help with transportation
13. Feed distributor
14. American Association of Equine Practitioners
(http://aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm)
15. American Association of Bovine Practitioners (www.aabp.org)
16. American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (www.aasrp.org)
17. American Association of Swine Veterinarians (www.aasp.org)
18. USDA-APHIS Veterinarian-in-Charge
(www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nvap/vsoffice.html)
19. USDA-APHIS Area Emergency Coordinator
Evacuation Essentials
The following lists will help you prepare for your animal(s) in the event of a disaster. The evacuation kit should be assembled in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers. It should be stored in an easily accessible location away from areas with temperature extremes. Replace the food, water, and medications as often as needed to maintain their quality and freshness and in accordance with the expiration dates. Indicate, if applicable, medications that are stored elsewhere due to temperature requirements such as refrigeration.
Consult your veterinarian for advice on making an animal evacuation kit and first aid kit that is appropriate for your individual animals. It is important that you become familiar with the items in your kit and their uses. Your veterinarian may recommend an animal first aid book to include in your kit. Consult your veterinarian regarding emergency first aid procedures and administration of any medications.
Small Animal Evacuation Kit
1. 2-week supply of food (dry & canned)
2. 2-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs with secure lids
3. Batteries (flashlight, radio)
4. Cage/carrier (one for each animal, labeled with your contact information)
5. Can opener (manual)
6. Cat/wildlife gloves
7. Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
8. Emergency contact list
9. Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
10. First aid kit (see below)
11. Flashlight
12. Instructions
13. DIET: record the diet for each individual animal, including what not to feed
in case of allergies.
14. MEDICATIONS: list each animal separately, including dose and frequency
for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information
for refills.
15. Leash and collar or harness (for each animal)
16. Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
17. Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road
closures)
18. Muzzles (dog or cat)
19. Newspaper (bedding, litter)
20. No-spill food and water dishes
21. Paper towels
22. Radio (solar and battery operated)
23. Spoon (for canned food)
24. Stakes and tie-outs
25. Trash bags
Small Animal First Aid Kit
Consult your veterinarian when developing the first aid kit. The items below serve only
as examples of what may be included in a small animal first kit.
1. Activated charcoal (liquid)
2. Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
3. Antibiotic ointment (for wounds)
4. Antibiotic eye ointment
5. Bandage scissors
6. Bandage tape
7. Betadine® (povidone-iodine) or
8. Nolvasan® (chlorhexidine), scrub and solution
9. Cotton bandage rolls
10. Cotton-tipped swabs
11. Elastic bandage rolls
12. Eye rinse (sterile)
13. Flea and tick prevention and treatment
14. Gauze pads and rolls
15. Ice cream sticks (which may be used as splints)
16. Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
17. Latex gloves or non-allergic gloves
18. Liquid dish detergent (mild wound and body cleanser)
19. Measuring spoons
20. Medications and preventatives (such as heartworm prevention), minimum 2-
week supply, with clearly labeled instructions. Provide veterinary and
pharmacy contact information for refills
21. Non-adherent bandage pads
22. Saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
23. Sterile lubricant (water based)
24. Styptic powder (clotting agent)
25. Syringe or eyedropper
26. Thermometer (digital)
27. Tourniquet
28. Towel and washcloth
29. Tweezers
Livestock Evacuation Kit
Consult your veterinarian when developing the first aid kit. The items below serve only
as examples of what may be included in a small animal first kit.
1. 7-10 day supply of feed and water
2. Batteries (flashlight, radio)
3. Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
4. Cotton halter
5. Duct tape
6. Emergency contact list
7. Flashlight
8. Heavy gloves (leather)
9. Instructions
a. DIET: record the diet for your animals.
b. MEDICATIONS: record the dose and frequency for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
10. Knife (sharp, all-purpose)
11. Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road
closures)
12. Nose leads
13. Plastic trash cans with lids (can be used to store water)
14. Portable livestock panels
15. Radio (solar and battery operated)
16. Rope or lariat
17. Shovel
18. Water buckets
19. Whip, prods & Wire cutters
Equine Evacuation Kit
Consult your veterinarian when developing the first aid kit. The items below serve only
as examples of what may be included in a small animal first kit.
1. 7-10 day supply of feed, supplements, and water
2. Bandannas (to use as blindfolds)
3. Batteries (flashlight, radio)
4. Blankets
5. Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
6. Duct tape
7. Emergency contact list
8. First aid kit
9. Flashlight
10. Fly spray
11. Grooming brushes
12. Heavy gloves (leather)
13. Hoof knife
14. Hoof nippers
15. Hoof pick
16. Hoof rasp
17. Instructions
a. DIET: record the diet for your animals
b. MEDICATIONS: record the dose and frequency of each medication.
Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
18. Knife (sharp, all-purpose)
19. Leg wraps and leg quilts
20. Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road
closures)
21. Non-nylon halters and leads (leather/cotton)
22. Paper towels
23. Plastic trash cans with lids (can be used to store water)
24. Radio (solar and battery operated)
25. Rope or lariat
26. Shovel
27. Tarpaulins
28. Trash bags, Twitch, Water buckets & Wire cutters
Equine First Aid Kit
Consult your veterinarian when developing the first aid kit. The items below serve as
examples of what may be included in an equine first aid kit.
1. Antibiotic ointment (for wounds)
2. Antibiotic eye ointment
3. Bandage scissors
4. Bandage tape
5. Betadine® (povidone-iodine)
6. Or Novalsan (chlorhexidine), scrub and solution
7. Cotton bandage rolls
8. Cotton-tipped swabs
9. Elastic bandage rolls
10. Eye rinse (sterile)
11. Gauze pads and rolls
12. Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
13. Medications (minimum two week supply, with clearly labeled instructions)
14. Non-adherent bandage pads
15. Non-allergenic gloves
16. Saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
17. Sterile lubricant (water-based)
18. Thermometer (digital)
19. Tincture of green soap
20. Tourniquet
21. Towel and washcloth
22. Tweezers
Evacuating Other Types of Pets
Identification, medical records, and proof of ownership are equally as important for other kinds of pets as for the aforementioned animals. Transportation of these species may require additional attention and care in order to decrease chances of stress induced illness and death. It is important to keep pets from different sources as
separate as possible and maintain the best possible hygiene in order to decrease disease transmission.
Birds
Transportation of pet birds is best accomplished using small, secure, covered carriers to avoid injury.
If traveling in cold weather, always warm the interior of your vehicle before moving your bird(s) from the house to the vehicle.
Transfer your bird(s) to a standard cage upon arrival at the evacuation site; covering the cage may reduce stress; this transfer should occur in a small, enclosed room to reduce the risk of escape.
Birds should be kept in quiet areas and not allowed out of the cage in unfamiliar
surroundings. Fresh food and water should be provided daily.
If your bird appears ill, be sure to lower the cage perch, food dish, and water bowl and
consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
In addition to the pertinent items listed under small animal evacuation kit, include:
1. necessary dietary supplements
2. plant mister for cooling birds in hot weather
3. hot water bottle for warming birds in cold weather
4. Materials to line the bottom of the cage
5. cage, perch & cage toys
This information was compiled from American Veterinary Medical Association Web. www.AVMA.org
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