Animal Rescue Team | Animal Rescue Team Design Diary
Tips for Being a Real Life Animal Rescuer
Companion animals can’t help themselves in a disaster – they rely on their human friends to assist them when disaster strikes. The best thing you can do for your own animal companions is to prepare in advance so they don’t need to be rescued!
Have your animal disaster kit ready
Up to a 2-week supply of water, food, and medications for your animals. Don’t forget to rotate the perishable items regularly. Even a 3-day supply is better than nothing!
Collar or harness with leash (a harness is more escape-proof).
Carrier or crate with your name and cell number written on it. Include old towels or blankets for bedding. A pillowcase makes a great compact carrier for a small animal in a pinch – put the animal in and tie the pillowcase in a knot.
Food and water bowls, can opener, spoon (for wet food), and measuring scoop (for dry food).
Litter box, litter, and scoop (for cats) or poop bags (for dogs). A disposable aluminum baking pan can be used as a litter box inside a cat carrier.
Cleaning supplies.
Toys (a familiar toy can be comforting for an animal).
Documents:
Printed fliers with your animal’s picture and description and your contact information (in case you get separated during the disaster).
Medical records (vaccination history, current medications, and microchip number) and vet’s phone number.
Written summary of how to care for your animal in case you must leave them with a friend or at an emergency animal shelter.
If your animal spends time with you at work, consider keeping a second, smaller emergency kit at work or in your car.
If you must evacuate, take your animals with you
Consider evacuating before you receive a mandatory evacuation order. Give yourself extra time to assist your animals and minimize their stress.
Your animal may need some training to be better prepared for an emergency evacuation. Will your dog come when you call him? Will your cat allow you to put her in a carrier? Will your horse load into a trailer?
Try a practice session at home – how quickly can you get your cats into their carriers?
Where will you go? Do you have friends who can accommodate you and your animals? Find some pet-friendly hotels you can get to by car. In a large disaster, emergency shelters for animals may be available, but your animals will be more comfortable if they can stay with you.
Reunification
What if you get separated from your animals during a disaster? Take these steps to make it easier for you to find them:
Consider having your animals microchipped, and make sure your contact information for each microchip is up-to-date.
Have a collar with an ID tag that includes your cell number, even for indoor animals.
Have pictures on your phone of your animals, showing any identifying markings.
Get your neighbor’s help
In case you’re not at home when a disaster happens, ask a trusted neighbor to be ready to check on or evacuate your animals. Tell them where your carriers and animal disaster kit are.
Sheltering in place
You may need to shelter at home in the event of a hazardous materials spill, a storm, road closures, or other emergencies.
Make sure your emergency supplies include at least 3 days’ worth of food, water, and medications for your animals.
For animal rescue superheroes
Take an animal first aid class.
Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of disaster preparedness for animals.
Consider training as an animal disaster responder. Search online for “volunteer animal disaster response team” to find organizations operating in your area.