Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

The pet planning disaster wisdom used to be to leave your animals with a few days worth of food and water in a protected area like a bathroom. Hurricane Andrew (Florida 1992) and Hurricane Katrina (Louisana 2005) demonstrated that the old wisdom was faulty. After realizing people would not leave their homes without their pets, Texas evacuation policy was temporarily changed and airlines made provisions for pet owners to bring them during the evacuations for Hurricane Rita. This was a step in the right direction and many lawmakers are striving to do more. Natural disasters (wildfires, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, landslides) have always occurred, but we also have new threats of terrorism, large scale biohazards, and toxic spills. Sometimes we will need to evacuate; sometimes we will need to shelter in place. Living in ignorance or denial of the fact that a disaster can happen to you and your pet is gambling with your pet’s safety.

Shelter in Place

A chemical plant explodes or a pandemic occurs … do you have everything you need at home, on hand, all the time to wait out the order? What if the power goes out? What if you are not at home when the order goes in force? Does your pet require fresh food, heat, air conditioning, cooked or live food? If you cannot run to the store how will you care for your pet for an extended period of time? Most planners say you should have at least a minimum of 2 weeks worth of supplies. Some disaster scenarios actually estimate greater durations. Remember that humans will be the primary concern for government officials so it would not be safe to assume that when services or supplies are being restored that you will be able to immediately acquire supplies for your pet.

Shelter in Place Recommendations

Evacuation

Wildfires erupt or you are in the path of a hurricane … do you know where you will go and what you will do with your pets? Many shelters cannot or will not take in exotic pets. Do you know what hotels are pet friendly? Are your supplies ready to pack at a moment’s notice? Do you have transport cages? Is it suitable for long-term living, if necessary? What if your pet escapes while on the road? How will you find it again?

Evacuation Recommendations

Disaster planning is not intended to be fear-mongering. The reality is that no one is immune to natural disasters and the areas for man-made threats have increased by railroad, airplane, highway and plant. Being prepared for any disaster will give you peace of mind and the best possible chance of providing a safe, healthy haven for your pet.