Animal Well Being

Animal Well-Being
Frequently Asked Questions
by Marti Miller, M.A.

Here's some helpful advice to care for your animal companions during natural disasters or emergencies that require an evacuation.

Natural disasters can strike any moment. And in the case of disasters that require evacuation, we must think not only of ourselves and our families, but also our companion animals. This month, I would like to share some information with you from Terri Crisp's book, Out of Harm's Way. Crisp, whose life has been devoted to animal rescue in times of large-scale disaster, provides a comprehensive list of what you will need for your companion in case of emergency. This kit can also be used to prepare for potential Y2K emergencies. I've also included some of the first aid tools that I use in my practice with animals.

The following checklist is for dogs and cats. (In Terri's book, you will find information about other animals.) Place all items in a plastic container with a secure fitting lid.

1. Food and Dishes - Enough for two weeks. A manual can opener if you are feeding canned food, a spoon, and plastic lid to cover unused food. If you pack canned food, take the smallest can possible. Unused cans of food need to be refrigerated, plus your companion may not want to eat much during this stressful time.

2. Water and Dishes - Enough for two weeks, depending on how much room you have for storage. Rotate the water supply every three months and store in a dark place. I recommend that you have a dilute container of Willard Water in your kit. Willard Water is wonderful to speed healing and can be applied to burns, cuts, abrasions or infections until further treatment can be found.

3. Litter - Store enough for one week in plastic jugs. Include a scoop and plastic bags for disposal of used litter. You will need a pooper-scooper and plastic bags for your dog.

4. Cleaning supplies - Disinfectant, paper towels, dish soap for washing dishes.

5. Photographs - Recent photos of your companions in a sealed plastic bag. It's a good idea to have at least 10 copies and to include pictures with you and other family. If you have a kitten or puppy, be sure to keep your photos current. You'll need to have multiple pictures in case it is necessary to leave a picture at several shelters.

6. Medications - Keep current, unexpired medication in the disaster kit. The medication in the kit should be enough for at least two weeks.

7. Shot records - Keep copies of your companion's current shot records.

8. Collar and tag - Have an extra collar and tag in the kit. Your companion may lose his collar, in which case you will need a replacement. If your dog or cat is microchipped or tattooed, be sure to have the national registry numbers in your kit.

9. Veterinarian information - Write down the name, phone number and address of your regular veterinarian and an alternate veterinarian. Include a release form authorizing another party to seek emergency medical treatment for your
companions.

10. First Aid Kit - I recommend including the Bach flower essence Rescue Remedy along with the standard bandages, gauze, tape, towels, blankets, thermometer, and scissors. Other homeopathic remedies that are useful to place in your first aid kit are Aconite 30c, for poisonous snake bite; Apis 30c, for insect bites that produce swelling andredness; Arnica 30c, for physical and emotional shock and exhaustion; Hypericum 30c, for calming; and Nux vomica 30c, or vomiting and diarrhea.

11. Brush and comb - Include if your dog and/or cat enjoy or require grooming. Other grooming supplies could include dry shampoo, cloth towel, nail clippers, scissors, and flea repellent.

12. Toys and Blankets - Include a few toys if your cat or dog likes to play with them. You will also need a blanket for your companion to sleep on or to stay warm with.

13. Cage - For multiple cat households, use a collapsible cage to confine them together. Keep dogs and cats separate even if they are used to being together.

It is important to have a well fitting collar and tags on your dogs and cats at all times. This includes kitties that are indoor cats. I recently consulted with several people who lost their precious companions. These animals were not wearing collars or tags. I understand the difficulty of keeping a collar on a cat. However, if your kitty has a collar that they like, the chances of keeping it on them is greater.

If you know that a disaster is approaching, evacuate early with your companion animals. Animals sense when danger is nearing. Watch them and you will know when it is time to leave. Do not leave your animal companion behind. If you feel that you can leave your companions, then ask yourself if you would feel safe leaving a child. Remember that natural disasters are traumatic for both humans and animals.

When you do evacuate, you will need to find a place that will allow you to bring your companions. Because of health department regulation, Red Cross shelters do not permit animals. You will need to find an animal shelter, veterinary office, or kennel in your city or in a town nearby. Plan ahead and have a location established before a disaster strikes.

Look to friends, relatives, pet-friendly motels, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and boarding facilities that might take your pets in an emergency. If you take your companion to a kennel, you must have up-to-date records of vaccinations. If you do not have these records, or can't find them easily, they may refuse your animal, vaccinate at your expense, or, if they have space, quarantine at additional cost. It is worth the extra effort to find a place where you can stay with your companion. By making arrangements and cultivating a relationship before a disaster strikes, you have a greater chance of being welcomed as a family. If you absolutely cannot take your companion with you, here are some tips you will need to know:

Do not leave your companions outside in a hurricane or in a severe (or even mild) thunderstorm. The safest place is in the basement or on the ground floor in a bathroom. If the bathroom has lots of windows, you may want to leave them in a closet. If you have to leave a cat, make sure that they have a litter box. Leave water in the bathtub, no more than four inches deep, or in a spillproof container. Leave dry food in a self-feeder that they can easily access. If you have both dogs and cats, I recommend that you leave them in separate areas. Animals become very stressed during a storm and may behave differently.

If your companion is lost during a disaster, be sure to check the permanent animal shelters and any temporary shelters in your area on a regular basis. Take your companion's pictures with you to the shelters. Also, check the listing of the animals that have been found dead. This is an unpleasant task, but at least you will know and will be able to end your search.

Let's hope that we never have evacuate or to use this disaster kit! If you do, careful preparation will make the job of caring for your beloved animals as easy as possible.

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