Pet and Livestock Emergency Preparedness Planning

Before a Disaster or Emergency

Make a preparedness kit for your pet.

• Leash and collar: clearly labeled with your pet’s name, your name and a contact number
• Transport carrier: clearly labeled with your name and a contact number
• Food and water (5-7 day supply) – don’t forget bowls and a non-electric can opener
• Any medications for the pet
• Copies of your pet’s medical and vaccination records (e.g., rabies certificate)
• Your veterinarian’s name and phone number
• Paper towels, newspapers, plastic trash bags, disinfectant (e.g., bleach) for waste clean-up
• Toys or blankets the pet will find familiar

Provide for the special needs of unique pets.

• Birds/lizards: blanket to keep cage warm, spray bottle to hydrate feathers
• Snakes: pillowcase to transport, heating pad for warmth, water bowl to soak
• Pocket pets (hamsters/gerbils): cage/bedding material, water bottles

Store items in a sturdy container that can be easily carried.

• Covered trash container, duffle bag, plastic tote, bucket

Make sure pets are current on all vaccinations.

Identification

• All pets should have some sort of identification (collar with tag, microchip).
• Take a photo of the pet and keep it with the medical records.
• Include any proof of ownership materials (e.g., registration information, proof of purchase, adoption records, microchip information).

Practice loading your pet into their cage, carrier, or trailer.

Identify pet friendly locations in case of the need to evacuate.

• Board with friends/relatives in a safe area.
• Check with your local animal shelter, boarding facility, or veterinary clinic.
• Pet friendly hotels - www.petswelcome.com

During a Disaster or Emergency

If you are sheltering in place:

• Bring your pet indoors.
• Place them inside a carrier or cage to help reduce their stress.

If you need to evacuate:

• Take your pets with you whenever possible.
• Allow plenty of time to catch and “load” your pet.
• Make sure your pet has identification securely fastened to them.
• Call your prearranged animal evacuation site.

If you must leave your pets behind:

• NEVER leave pets tied up outside.
• Leave them untied in an interior room with adequate air and no windows (e.g., bathroom).
• Purchase a self-feeder in advance and leave enough food and water for 3-5 days.
• Leave a faucet dripping as a water source; keep the sink drain open.
• Leave a notice on your front door with the location and type of pets inside, their names and your contact phone number.

After the Disaster or Emergency

A pet’s behavior may change before, during and even after a disaster.

• In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside.
• Maintain close contact to help them readjust to the changed environment.

Livestock

Before a Disaster or Emergency

Determine the hazards and risks for your area and animals.

• Are animal located outside or housed indoors?
• What is the risk of illness or injury to animals at these locations?

Maintain an inventory.

• Keep a current list of all animals on your farm.
• Include their location and any records of vaccinations or testing.

Have identification for all animals.

• Make sure animals have some form of permanent identification (e.g., ear tags, tattoos).
• Make sure you have records of ownership for all animals, in cases of loss or displacement.

Identify alternate water or power sources.

Prepare an evacuation kit.

• Handling equipment (e.g., halters, nose leads)
• Water, feed, and buckets
• Medications
• Tools and supplies needed for sanitation
• Cell phone, flashlights, portable radios, and batteries
• Basic first aid kit
• Safety and emergency items for your vehicles and trailers
• Gas powered generators

Make evacuation arrangements.

• Locate and prearrange evacuation sites.
• Determine routes to these locations and have alternate routes planned as well.
• Make arrangements for trucks, trailers, or other transport vehicles for livestock as well as experienced handlers and drivers.
• Condition animals to being loaded and transported.
• Plan how handling equipment and veterinary care will be obtained at the evacuation site.
• Arrange for feed and water delivery for the evacuation site.

Establish escape routes to safe locations (e.g., higher elevation).

• Keep animals from unsafe locations (e.g., barns in flood situations, under trees in severe thunderstorms).

Establish a safe environment for animals.

• Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures.
• Remove dead trees or other debris in fields or animal holding locations.
• Remove or secure any loose equipment or materials, such as lumber, feed troughs.
• Make sure wiring for heat lamps or other electrical machinery is safe and away from flammable debris.