Pets need to be included in emergency planning

Pet owners will need to take extra precautions to prepare for weather-related and other emergencies, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian.

“Owning pets adds responsibility for the safety of these animals and an emergency preparedness plan implemented properly can help save lives,” MacAllister said. “Some emergencies may require leaving the home. Others may not. Depending upon the situation, your emergency plan needs to have several options.”

One of the first things pet owners should do is assemble an emergency preparedness kit before an emergency situation occurs. Supplies such as pet food, bottled water, a photo of the animal, a strong leash and muzzle and the name and phone number of an emergency contact should be compiled and stored in a sturdy, water repellent easy-to-carry  container such as a duffle bag, large backpack or a plastic container with handles.

Pet owners who must leave the home, whether for a tornado or fire, will need to take their pets, too. Pets that are left behind in disaster situations can be injured or lost, so it is important to plan ahead.

MacAllister said pet owners need to have proper identification on their pets such as collars with ID tags that include the owner’s name and phone number. Some pet owners may opt to have a microchip implanted in their pet by a veterinarian.

“Keep in mind that Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets. Check around in your area at different shelters and inquire about pet acceptance,” she said. “If a shelter isn’t available and you need to stay in a hotel for a few days, keep a list handy of the nearby hotels that will allow pets. Other emergency shelter options for pets include a boarding facility or the home of friends or family.”

In the event there is an emergency that strikes when no one is home, it is a good idea to place a sign or sticker on the entrances to a home alerting emergency personnel or neighbors that animals are inside or on the property. The sign should include emergency contact name and phone number as well as the location of the emergency preparedness kit. Post a list near or in the emergency preparedness kit of all the animals in the home and where the pets are located.

“Oklahomans are not strangers to bad weather and we often get prior warnings for storms,” MacAllister said. “Make sure you have an emergency procedure or evacuation plan ahead of time so you’re ready when a storm occurs. If your family isn’t at home when a storm warning is issued, contact a neighbor who has a key to your house and ask them to get your pets, along with the pet’s emergency preparedness kit.”

She added that pets can react to changes in their environment and stressful situations by trying to run away or hide. In an effort to get away, they may bite or scratch their owners or the person trying to help them. Always try to keep pets under control with a leash or in a carrier throughout the evacuation process.

It is not just dogs and cats that need to have identification in the event of an emergency. Birds, small mammals and reptiles should have photos and medical records in an emergency preparedness kit. Birds that are being evacuated should be carried in a covered cage to minimize stress and keep it warm.

“Pets are part of the family and rely on their owners to take care of them and keep them safe,” MacAllister said. “Make sure your family emergency plan includes all of your pets.”

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
136 Printing Services Building
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu