Are your pets prepared?

by Carl Friedman

So many of us have watched and read about the plight of pets in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and we all wonder “What if a disaster happens here in the Bay Area? Are we prepared for that? What can we do to make sure that our pets are prepared? If we must evacuate our homes, what will happen to our pets?”

There is no better way to prepare for a disaster than by anticipating what you will do, what you will need, and where you will go. If you do not need to use city services, then others who may not be as prepared can use them. In San Francisco the Office of Emergency Services has informed the community that in event of a disaster, San Francisco’s citizens may be without basic services, such as electricity, water, phones, and access to food for seventy-two hours.

One city’s effort to prepare

The staff at Animal Care and Control (ACC), San Francisco’s municipal shelter, is currently working with the San Francisco Office of Emergency Services and the Red Cross to make sure the citizens of San Francisco and their pets will be taken care of in a disaster. Our agency is well aware that one of the main reasons people will not evacuate their homes is that they are reluctant to leave beloved pets behind. We at ACC have formed a special animal Disaster Committee to learn how to set up animal shelters, which would be placed adjacent to Red Cross human shelters, in hopes of motivating people to evacuate their homes knowing their pets can be sheltered safely nearby.

What you can do

ACC recommends you ensure your pets are prepared for a potential disaster. Make sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag, and consider including your phone number and that of a friend or relative outside of the Bay Area. If possible make arrangements with them to foster your pet in case you need to evacuate. License your dog. Shelters can find and contact you through your dog’s license number. Microchip your pet. Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your animal.

Prepare a pet disaster kit, and keep it in a safe, accessible place so you can find it quickly in an emergency. Include:

• A pet carrier or crate with enough room for your pet to stand up and turn around
• Additional collars, ID tags, and leashes
• Food and water (a seven day supply for each pet)
• Non-spill bowls
• Litter box and litter
• Any medications
• Copy of your pet’s vaccination and medical history
• Recent photos of each pet
• Pet first aid book and first aid kit

If you must evacuate your home, and you cannot take your pet:

• Post a highly visible sign on your door, or in a window, or write the information with chalk or paint on your front door or on a prominent wall near the front of your home, to let rescue  workers know how many pets are inside your home.
• Leave plenty of water in a large container that cannot be tipped over.
• Leave plenty of food out (in a timed feeder if possible).
• Never leave your pets tied up or caged in your home, and do not release them outdoors. The chances your pet will survive are much greater if he or she is able to move around safely in your home.

For more information on how to prepare your household for a disaster, please visit the website http://www.72hours.org.

Working together for pets and people

During the last few years, a disaster coalition has been meeting at ACC. The group is named SF/ DPCA (San Francisco Disaster Preparedness Coalition for Animals) and is comprised of ACC, San Francisco SPCA, PAWS/SF, California Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary SOS, and Pets Unlimited. This coalition is working on a joint disaster recovery plan to assist animals across the City should we experience a disaster. Since Hurricane Katrina we have been meeting bi-monthly.

Under our direction, the SF/DPCA exists to educate citizens about disaster preparedness for companion animals while advocating and empowering guardians to maintain care and control of their pets during a large-scale emergency or disaster. The Coalition will also endeavor to rescue, feed, provide medical care, shelter, and comfort to San Francisco residents’ companion animals.

Although the protection of human life is the highest priority in emergency response, recent disasters and follow-up research have shown that proper preparation and effective coordination of animal issues enhance the ability of emergency personnel to protect both human and animal health, safety and welfare. In order for us to be more efficient and effective in our efforts, we are addressing these issues now so that plans will be in place prior to a disaster rather than during or after one.