If a Natural Disaster strikes, How Will Your Pet Fare?

Two years after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, progress is being made on many fronts to improve our ability to cope with natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security has prepared a new National Response Plan with FEMA, to better define the duties of state and local authorities.

As “The Dog’s Champion”, the American Kennel Club is assisting in initiatives that will better manage animal issues when disaster strikes.  The AKC is also educating pet owners on what they can do to P.R.E.P.A.R.E. Here is some useful information to help you, now that we are once again in "Hurricane Season".

Congress has responded to a huge public outcry for better handling of pets during natural disasters by passing the PETS (Pets Evacuation Transportation Standards) Act in 2006. This means that state and local agencies must now plan for managing animal issues (companion and service animals), in the event of a disaster. However, the National Response Plan confirms that the primary responsibility for such animals must rest with the owner. 

Your Pet Is Counting On You!

Marcy Zingler, AKC Corporate Project Manager, says “Your pets rely solely on you for their safety. Every pet owner should plan ahead for both family and pets in case of disaster. Find out what your local, county or state authorities are doing to address animal issues in their disaster planning.  Ask them what you can do, perhaps through a local dog club or your local community, to get better prepared, and even help them. AKC, with our clubs all across the country, is helping local and state authorities with plans to deal with companion animal issues in case of disaster. Pet owners need to take primary responsibility for their pets, with good preparation before that disaster strikes.”

Marcy explains, “Preparedness means being proactive.  Waiting for relief is reactive and, as we have seen with major disasters, that’s usually not going to be nearly as good. Well-planned preparedness can reduce the need for relief. Use our P.R.E.P.A.R.E list of ideas to help you plan better.”  

A good start is to put together Emergency Provisions, both for when you are forced to evacuate and when you are confined to home in an emergency. A box prepared with equipment for pets should include items such as:

• Waterproof containers for food and medications
• Water and Food (non-perishable) for a few days
• Bowls, spare leash and collar
• Collapsible crate or carrier
• First Aid Kit supplies – you can purchase kits suitable for pets or create your own:  http://www.akc.org/news/disaster_preparedness/be_proactive_prepare.cfm 
• A list of hotels and addresses known to be ‘pet friendly’ in case of evacuation, especially if you don’t have friends or family that you can stay with in those areas
• Contact numbers and web sites for veterinarians in those ‘safe haven’ areas, in case of medical problems with your pet when you get there
• Veterinary and vaccination records in case you and your pets need help from a local shelter, photos of your pet and proof of ownership (remember how thousands of pets were evacuated all over the USA after Katrina).

The AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) program has successfully reunited over 330,000 pets with their owners since its inception in 1995. This is an amazing number of happy stories! The Microchip ID Number for your pet helps AKC CAR connect you with your pet, should you become separated.  Microchipping is the best way to help recover your pet if you get split up because tags can fall off collars.The microchip ID number can be linked to your contact information if you enroll your pet in a recovery service such as AKC CAR. Then you can be contacted when someone finds your pet.

Include in your kit your Pet Healthcare insurance policy records in case you need help from a veterinarian when you reach a safe haven following the disaster. This will also help you file for reimbursement for veterinary treatment if your pet is injured or becomes sick as a result of the disaster.

Check on theP.R.E.P.A.R.E list for other excellent recommendations. Next, find out what your local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is doing, and become familiar with their animal response plans. These steps could mean the difference between a happy ending and a tragic one.  As the AKC says, Plan your Response and Respond to your Plan.

American Kennel Club, AKC and the AKC logo are trademarks of The American Kennel Club, Inc. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan name is licensed to PetPartners, Inc for its exclusive use by the American Kennel Club. Coverage is offered by PetPartners Inc. and is underwritten by Markel Insurance Company, an A.M. Best A Rated Company.