Preparedness for Animals

Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
Public Law 109-308

The destructive force of Hurricane Katrina exposed many flaws in our nation's emergency preparedness programs. One easily correctible issue that has come to light is that many city and state authorities' disaster plans did not take into account how to rescue the portion of the population who are pet owners. The PETS Act would simply require that the State and local emergency preparedness authorities include how they will accommodate households with pets or service animals when presenting these plans to FEMA. This legislation is necessary because Hurricane Katrina has clearly shown that when given a choice between their own personal safety or abandoning their household pets, a significant number of people will choose to risk their lives in order to remain with their pets. (Derived from the U.S. House press release)

Pet Survival Kits

Just like people, pets need to be prepared for disasters. When you pack your own survival kit, make one for your pet(s) as well.

When preparing your pet's survival kit you should include:

• A current color photograph of your pet in case you must search for a lost pet
• Water and food supplies and bowls
• A leash/muzzle/harness
• A copy of all current vaccination and health records, license numbers and microchip numbers
• Medication for your pet (if needed)
• A basic feeding and medication schedule
• A manual can opener
• A pet carrier or cage (hint; a luggage carrier can be used to wheel the carrier around)
• Plastic bags for pick-up
• A first-aid kit to care for your pet (contact your veterinarian to determine what should be placed in the kit)
• A cotton sheet to put over the carrier (hint: this calms pets and makes them feel more secure)

Note: Pets, other than service animals, will NOT be permitted into city evacuation shelters.

Pet Planning Suggestions

• Contact relatives outside the affected area to see if they would be willing to care for you and your pet(s).
• Contact your vet, groomer or regular boarding facility and see if they provide shelter and care for animals during times of emergencies and disasters. Get on all reservation lists.
• Ask animal shelters in your area whether they provide extra care for pets in the case of an emergency. This should be your last resort.
• Be mindful that exotic and larger animals may require more planning.

The order to evacuate can come at any time, even while you are away. Find a trusted friend or neighbor to take care of your pet(s) in this situation.

Pet DO's & DON'Ts

DO...

• Do remember that pets get frightened too and during a disaster they may act violently against other animals out of nervousness. Try to keep animals separate during and after the disaster to avoid this problem.
• DO make a written disaster plan and be sure to include:
  • Provisions for both you and your pets
  • Appropriate evacuation sites
• DO keep your animal in a carrier for the duration of the disaster, this makes the pets feel safer and more secure, and also it is a place they can stay if no other shelter is available after the disaster.

DON'T...

• DON'T bring your pets to shelters, they will not be allowed in (except for service animals).
• DON'T leave your pets behind during a disaster! If forced to evacuate make sure there is a place for your pets to go. Pets left behind may be injured, harmed or lost.

Remember...

• Always keep your pet(s) properly ID tagged and use a leash.
• Keep all vaccinations up to date.
• License your dog - for more information call Providence Animal Control at 243-6040.
• Spay or neuter your cats and dogs.

Web Resources

• RI DEM Animal Care
• Rhode Island Disaster Animal Response Team (RIDART)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
• American Red Cross (ARC)
• Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006