Crisis Checklist: Saving Your Pet's Life When Disaster Strikes by
M. H. Molock
Help could not come soon enough for the residents of New
Orleans and the surrounding Gulf areas. But for devoted animal
owners rescue came at a price...leave your pet behind. Having
a plan in place before disaster strikes can save both you
and your pet's lives. Here's what to do now.
General Helpful Hints
1 If you live in an apartment, consider putting an "animals
inside" sign on your door. In case of fire, your pet's chances
of survival may increase if the firemen know.
2 Keep carrying cases, leads, etc. in an easily accessible
location. If you must leave quickly, time spent looking for
these items is time lost.
Know Your Neighbors
The help of a good neighbor can sometimes be your first
line of defense.
1. Exchange your house or apartment key with a trusted
neighbor. Exchanging keys with a neighbor offers the benefit
of proximity. Should an unexpected crisis arise, your neighbor
can reach your pets quickly. Friends or family may not know
about the problem until it is too late.
2. Make a Plan. Discuss what to do in case of emergency.
Do you have a cell phone? Make certain your neighbor has
the number as well as any additional telephone numbers where
you can be reached such as work or family. Write them on
an index card in bold, large print, and laminate it.
3. Fido, Buffy, Max, Celia, Snorky... If you have more
than one pet, make certain your neighbor has the following
information:
a. The Number of Pets You Have. If they know how many pets
they need to find, chances increase greatly all will be rescued.
b. What Type of Animals You Have. If Celia is a goldfish
and your neighbor is looking for a dog, Celias' chances of
rescue drop. Make certain you are clear regarding the type
of animal your neighbor should find.
c. Location of Pets In Your Home. This is important for
caged animals such as birds, snakes, hamsters, etc. Do you
keep your dog penned in the backyard? Let them know. The
less time your neighbor spends searching for your pets, the
more time they have to get them out quickly and safely.
d. Hi. My Name Is... If your neighbor can't find your pet,
they may respond if their names are called. Will they come
when you whistle? Tell your neighbor. The more specific information
they have, the better your pet's chance of rescue.
On the Road Again
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Before you leave for a vacation or
an extended trip, talk with the person who will be
caring for your pets. Make certain it is someone you
trust such as a responsible family member, friend,
or neighbor. If you use a pet sitting service, check
their credentials before you leave. Ask for names of
other clients who have used their services and call
them to see if they were pleased. Better to know before
you go rather than returning to an unpleasant surprise.
Discuss specifically what your sitter would do
if a crisis arises and always leave contact numbers
where you can be reached (hotel, cell phone, etc).
Points to consider: |
1. If a problem occurs, will your sitter take your pets
until you return? If not, give them the name and telephone
number of a friend, family member, kennel or doggy spa they
can contact to take your pets.
2. If an evacuation occurs, will your sitter take your
pets?
3. In case of evacuation, give your sitter the telephone
number of a family member or friend outside the effected
area who can act as a contact. If you and your sitter cannot
reach each other, you can each call the contact who can help
relay information.
4. If one must leave the area, prearrange with family or
friends within driving distance to take your pets. If you
have more than one pet, ask in advance to make certain they
can house all of them. If not, find others who can.
Name, Rank and Serial Number
Make certain your pets have proper identification. Include
your last name and telephone number as well as the pet's
name on the ID tag. If you have one, consider using a cell
phone number in case you and your pet are separated and you
can't go home.
Your Little Black Book
Begin collecting important telephone numbers and information
now so you have them if you need them. To gather this information,
conduct an Internet search for your area or contact animal
associations such as the ASPCA or The Humane Society. Your
list should also include your vet and a 24 hour animal hospital.
1. Pet Friendly Shelters: Many shelters may not accept
pets in need of a temporary safe haven, but some do. Find
the ones in your areas just in case.
2. Dog Friendly Lodging: Should you be displaced, know
where to go. If you can't reach friends or family, the names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of hotels and motels which
accept pets can be a life saver.
3. Animal Rescue Centers. Even the best laid plans go astray.
If this happens, call your local animal shelter or vet and
ask if they can provide assistance. If you have more than
one pet, confirm that they will be able to take them all.
4. Here are a few starting points for more information.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
American Veterinary Medical Foundation American Humane Association
Petfinder.com
If You Must Evacuate
If the situation becomes so dire you must leave, consider
the following. Generally, time is of the essence.
1. Leave as quickly as possible and take your pets with
you! Don't leave your pets behind thinking you can return
and get them. Very often, you will not be permitted to return
until the crisis is over.
2. If you are driving, load up the animals and hit the
road. If you can't take your pets where you are going, use
your back up family member or friend plan first. Then your
dog friendly lodging or rescue shelter options. If worse
comes to worse, you may be able to find someone along the
way who can help you.
3. If you cannot take your pet(s) to a safe place and you
MUST evacuate, help improve your pet's chances to stay alive.
Make certain dogs are unchained or uncaged. Pets left alone
will rely on their natural instincts to survive.
About the Author
M. H. Molock is the owner of dogclothes-apparel.com, an
online dog clothes and accessories store. She also writes
extensively on animal and pet issues. For more pet information
and tips, subscribe to her free newsletter at http://www.dogclothes-apparel.com
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