Before the Disaster - Think PADS

• P lan for shelter:
  • Ask friends or relatives if they could shelter you and / or your pets.
  • Locate boarding facilities.
  • Locate pet friendly hotels/motels within a 100 mile radius.
  
  
• A ssemble a disaster supply kit in a water tight container:
   (7 day supply)
  • Copy of current vaccination record.
  • Current photograph of your pet.
  • Medication
  • Food & water bowls.
  • Extra collar, leash, and temporary tags.
  • Litter pan and litter.
  • Manual can opener and utensils.
  • Plastic bags for waste clean-up.
  • Cleaning supplies.
  • Grooming tools.
  • Pet first aid kit and book.
  • Information on feeding schedule, medication, behavior problems, vet's name and number.
  Have ready to take with you:
  • Bedding, crates/cages, favorite toys.
  
  
• D ocument your pet's identification:
  • Keep up to date identification on your pet at all times.
  • Have current photograph of you and your pet (show any distinguishing markings.)
  • Have a copy of current vaccination record.
  
  
• S top!
  If you must evacuate, take your pet with you.

  Start a buddy system with a neighbor. If you aren't home when ordered to evacuate, your buddy can evacuate your pets for you. Your buddy would have a key to your home, know where your pets and disaster kit are located, and they would meet you at a prearranged location.

At the time of the Disaster:

• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements.
• Make sure your disaster supplies are assembled and ready to take at a moments notice.
• Bring pets inside so you won't have to look for them later.
• Make sure dogs and cats are wearing collars and tags with up to date information. Add temporary tag with temporary information.
• Birds and house lizards can be transported in a travel cage. In cold weather wrap a blanket over the cage and warm the care before putting them in. In warm weather carry a mister and spray them periodically. Do not let them out of the cage/carrier.
• Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase. As soon as you get to your new location they must be transferred to more secure housing. Carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking and bring a heating pad.

After the Disaster:

• Do not allow your pet outside alone for several days... familiar landmarks and scents may be gone and your pet could become confused and lost.
• Downed power lines, displaced reptiles, or other wild animals pose a threat.
• Do not let your pet drink from any open water source.
• If you have to move to new surroundings, do not remove your pet from it's crate until your pet is calm.
• Avoid unfamiliar activities with your pet such as bathing, excessive exercise, or diet supplements.

• Bring pets inside and confine them in a room with good ventilation and no windows such as a bathroom or utility room. Provide access to high areas in case of flooding.
• Leave dry food and plenty of water in non-spillable containers.
• Leave familiar bedding and toys.
• Don't confine cats and dogs together (no mater how well they get along normally.)
• Cage small pets (rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, birds, etc.)
• Move bird cages away from windows and secure them so they won't swing or fall. Leave food in dispensers that regulate amount. Supply extra water. Cover cage with a thin sheet. This will give the birds security and allow light in.
• Make sure pets are wearing identification. Also include phone number where you can be reached.
• Place notices on all doors advising what pets are inside and where they are located. List phone number where you can be reached and your vet's name and number.

Leaving your pets behind may result in their being injured, lost, or worse. Planning and preparation will enable your to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.

Remember....

P   Plan for shelter

A   Assemble a pet disaster kit.

D   Document your pet's identification and health status.

S   Stop and think, if you must evacuate take your pet with you.