Pet Safety
Planning for disaster preparedness includes having a plan in place for your pet or service animal. Many of the same steps we take to prepare ourselves can be used to help prepare our furry family members and having those plans in place ahead of time can help reduce stress during an actual emergency.
Remember, during any emergency, keeps pets leashed or secured in a carrier. High stress events can cause pets to panic and try to hide, escape or even bite or scratch in fear.
Also remember that in Onslow County the only pet friendly shelter is at the Jacksonville Commons Middle School.
Remember, during any emergency, keeps pets leashed or secured in a carrier. High stress events can cause pets to panic and try to hide, escape or even bite or scratch in fear.
Also remember that in Onslow County the only pet friendly shelter is at the Jacksonville Commons Middle School.
Be Prepared for the Worst:
- Make sure your pet has either an updated color with your contact information or has been micro-chipped. Talk to your local veterinarian clinic or Onslow County Animal Services to find out more about micro-chipping.
- Have a current photo available should you pet become lost or separated.
- Make a supply kit for your pets as well:
- Pet Food (3-7 days)
- Water (3-7 days)
- Medications
- Veterinary Records
- Cat Litter / Pan
- Manual Can Opener
- Food Dishes
- Toys, beds, and blankets. (anything that smells like home helps reduce an animals stress)
- First Aid Supplies
- Extra leashes, collars and harnesses, and muzzle
Sheltering
- Find out if you have emergency shelters that will take pets. In Onslow County it is Jacksonville Commons Middle School.
- Identify pet friendly hotels ahead of time in an area that you may chose to evacuate to. Document the address, phone number and any special rules for pets they may have. Click HERE to search for pet friendly hotels in North Carolina.
- Identify pet boarding business that may be able to to help out during times of emergencies. Look outside the area that may be affected in a large scale emergency.
Safety Tips
- Bring pets indoors
- Always keep extra food on hand
- Do not let pets drink flood water or standing water that may be dirty or contaminated.
- Get to know your neighbors and work out shared plans should one of you not be home when an emergency occurs. They can take in or look after your pet if you cannot get back home.
- Have a document that identifies your boarding kennels, veterinary clinic, local 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic, and grooming facilities on hand.
- Know where you local animal shelters or rescue groups are and how to contact them should you become separated from your pet.
- Remember, emergencies and disasters can be exceptionally stressful for your pet. They may normally be friendly and loving but can become scared or agitated during an event. Always protect your pet and others by using carriers, leashes and muzzles.
- Approach sick or injured animals cautiously and slowly. Be aware of the body language of any ill or injured animal. Even your own pet can lash out in times of high stress. It is usually best to call a trained animal services or rescue group to assist.
After the Event is Over
- If you have to leave town take your pet with you or make arrangements for boarding the pet. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own during or after a disaster.
- Keep your pet on a leash for a few days after. Their normal scents and smells may have become altered during the event and could create confusion.
- For lost and found animals go to:
- Before letting your pet back onto your property:
- Survey the area for sharp or dangerous objects
- Survey outside for dangerous wildlife
- Be aware of any standing water that may be contaminated
- look for downed power lines or other potential dangers
- Allow animals additional sleeping time if needed to help recover from the stress.
- Physically check with your local animal shelter or rescue on a DAILY basis when trying to locate a lost pet.
- Post lost pet signs in your local area and with veterinarians and animal shelters / rescue. Social Media can also be useful in locating lost animals.
Prepare Your Pets For Emergencies
Source: FEMAAdditional Resources
Want to learn more? Visit the following links for additional information:
- American Red Cross Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared
- Center for Disease Control Resources: Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet
- Pets Welcome Pet-Friendly locations throughout the U.S.
- N.C. State University Cooperative Extension Caring for your pets in an emergency
- American Veterinary Medical Association Saving the Whole Family