NEWS ALERT                                             516-THE-SPCA

Nassau County SPCA Announces 

a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets.

Being prepared can save their lives.

Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is

a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you

can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them. Leaving pets behind, even if you

try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost

or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave

your home.

 

Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets

Most disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of state health and

safety regulations and other considerations. Service Animals who assist

people with disabilities are generally the only animals allowed in disaster

shelters.  Town Animal Shelters and other animal shelters will generally have

limited to no available room for owned animals during an emergency and

should not be counted on to take your animal. It may be difficult, if not

impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so

plan ahead. Do your research before a disaster strikes:

* Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies

on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if

"no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet

friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster

information and supplies. If you have advance notice of an impending

disaster, call ahead for reservations.

* Ask friends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area whether

they could shelter your animals in an emergency. If you have more than

one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared

to house them separately.

* Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians outside the affected

area who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone

numbers.

 

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential

supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers

that can be easily carried (e.g. duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.).

IDENTIFICATION

Keep a collar and I.D. tag on your pets at all times (this includes cats

that never go outdoors).

During a disaster, a pet can escape. A collar and tag can increase your

chance of getting the animal back. On the tag, include your phone number

and address. Remember the phones may not be working, so in order to

reunite you with your pet, an address is necessary.

Microchipping is provided at most veterinary clinics and

animal shelters. It is very important to register the microchip with your

current address and keep this information up to date with the microchip

company.

FOOD, WATER BOWLS, CAT LITTER/PAN

AND CAN OPENER

Have at least a week's supply of pet food and water on hand at all times

for your pets.

Store the dry food in airtight waterproof containers. If you use canned food,

buy the flip top cans or have a can opener in your airtight disaster supply

container. Keep some of your pet's favorite treats on hand. Pets become

stressed during a disaster too, and a treat provides them some comfort.

Also keep a supply of cat litter for the cats in your household and keep a

clean litter scoop in your disaster kit.

CONFINEMENT

It is important to prepare to confine your animal during a disaster, even if

your animal normally stays close to you, he/she may try to run away during

times of intense stress. Have a chain leash or crate for each animal in your

household. The crate should be large enough for your animal to stand up

and turn around in. A cat carrier needs to be large enough to hold a shoebox

size litter box, a water/food dish, and room for the cat to comfortably lie

down. Make sure the carrier is not left in the sun, and if it is warm, that the

cat gets good ventilation.

If you choose to use a leash for confinement, make sure it is made out of

chain so your dog cannot chew through it and it is attached to a well-fitted

collar or harness. Be sure the chain is long enough for the dog to move

around without getting tangled. If your dog rides in your vehicle, be sure to

keep an extra chain leash there too. A disaster may occur while you are

away from home, and if you should have to abandon your car, you will need

to keep your dog safely controlled.

MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL RECORDS STORED

IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER

A vet may not be open for some time following a disaster.

Ask your regular vet if he/she has a disaster plan. Your pet may need medical

attention after a disaster and you need to know where to take your animal.

Knowing this in advance may save your animal's life if it is in critical

condition. Keep a first aid kit in your disaster kit for your pet. Assembled kits

can be purchased at pet stores or ask your vet what to include in one.

If your pet is on a long-term medication, always keep a backup supply on

hand and make sure to rotate this supply before it expires.

If the medication needs to be refrigerated, keep an ice chest on hand to store

it in. Ice will need to be obtained from a store, and if they are not open, check

with the Red Cross.

DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR PETS IN CASE

THEY GET LOST

Take several pictures of you together with all the animals in your

household and keep these pictures with your important insurance papers

and copies of your pet's registration info, adoption papers, and vaccination

information.

Be sure to include in the pictures any distinguishing marks, as these pictures

can help reunite you with a lost pet. Store the pictures in a re-sealable plastic

bag in case you have to post them during the months that rain. You may also

want to consider keeping current color photos of you and your pets on a flash

drive or other electronic media.

OTHER PET OWNERS OR PET FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS

Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood so that they

will check on your animals during a disaster in case you aren't home.

Agree to do the same thing for them. Exchange information on feeding

schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number

of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board the pets. Pet beds and

toys, if easily transportable, can also be exchanged. Have a permission slip

put in your file at the vet's authorizing your buddy to get necessary

BE SURE TO COMFORT YOUR PET DURING A

DISASTER

They are frightened too, and having you near to give them a hug will

help. If your pet is not ready to be comforted though, do not force it.

Let them come to you when they are ready.

Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches

* Sometimes warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance.

At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

* Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you

and your pets.

* Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at

a moment's notice.

* Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for

them if you have to leave in a hurry. Close as many doors as possible

to limit search areas.

* Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars, securely fastened

with up-to-date identification. You can buy temporary tags or put

adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, to add your temporary

contact information if you evacuate.

* You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a

trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a

prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your

pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet

disaster supply kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a

pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the

possibility well in advance.

 

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets

quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under

stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed.

Transport cats, rabbits in carriers, birds and other small animals in cages.

Don't leave animals unattended anywhere as they can run off.

The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to

escape, or even bite and scratch. And when you return home, give your

pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if

any behavior problems persist.

 

 

Located in Nassau County, New York, The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization originally designed to protect animals in the county from abuse and neglect, and to provide basic welfare. We hold special authority to enforce NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, and all other state and local humane laws. We are the only animal protection agency officially designated to operate within the county's borders.

The NCSPCA is a volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of needy animals. The Society is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and its operations have been historically funded through contributions solicited from the public and through corporate grants.