Emergency Preparedness for Pets

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a major flaw in our nation’s emergency response system was discovered. Most emergency plans did not incorporate help for pets. Many Katrina evacuees were forced to leave their pets behind while many others risked their lives by staying behind to remain with their pets. As a result, both human and animal lives were needlessly lost. Pets are the number one reason people return to their homes before local authorities have declared it safe to do so. To help protect its citizens and their pets, the City of Portsmouth is incorporating emergency sheltering considerations for companion pets into disaster planning. The following information may be of help to you in preparing for a disaster before one strikes but also during a disaster. Being prepared is the key to successfully navigating a disaster.

Emergency Pet Sheltering In Portsmouth

Did you know that….

• Portsmouth may open an emergency shelter during a disaster?

• AND that the shelter will be Pet Friendly?

During an emergency, whether it is a voluntary or mandatory evacuation, please keep the following in mind:

1. (Most importantly) Take your pets with you!
2. Know the location of the nearest Pet Friendly Hotels (see list below) and your local animal shelter
3. Have a copy of your vaccination certificates/records (particularly rabies) handy so you can bring them with you
4. Have your veterinarians name and number handy
5. Put together a well-stocked Pet Emergency Supply Kit (next to your family household emergency supply kit) ready to grab and go in an emergency (see below for items to include in your kit)
6. Post a rescue alert sticker (on an exit door) that will be visible from the outside of your home (go to www.aspca.org or www.humanesociety.org (HSUS Store, or “Shop”) for your free or www.petresucesitckers.com (nominal fee) rescue sticker. You can also find them at some Walmart stores. This will let first responders know that there are pets in the home in case you are not home when an emergency happens.

For more information on emergency pet sheltering and how you can get involved go to:

www.volunteernh.org/disaster-services/nh-dart/

www.vermontDART.org

The NH DART (Disaster Animal Response Team) performs many services for local communities:

1. They work with their local Emergency Management Directors to ensure that animal response plans are coordinated with human response plans before disaster strikes  
2. They organize and help run emergency pet shelters to provide animal care and treatment during the disaster and its recovery period
3. They spread the word about the importance of household disaster planning for animals by hosting local events and speaking at or conducting trainings

The City of Portsmouth needs volunteers to help with pet sheltering during an event. Please contact the Health Department for more information @ (603) 957-2034 or via email at:  tmmclellan@cityofportsmouth.com

If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pets, take them with you!

Pet’s Emergency Go Kit

Gather these items before disaster strikes and store them in a backpack or other container/kit that is located in your home near an exit.

**When evacuating with your pets to a City shelter, it is most important to have the following 3 items. The list below the three items is a more comprehensive list that includes items to keep in mind if you are not evacuating to a City shelter, but rather a pet friendly hotel or other location. Items on the more comprehensive list would most likely not be supplied in these types of establishments.

1. Pet vaccination records (particularly rabies)
2. Any medicine your pet is currently taking, particularly medicines such as insulin that they depend on daily
3. Ensure your pet is on a leash or in a carrier (during emergencies, pets may react in ways that are unpredictable due to fear and unfamiliar surroundings) and has an ID tag.

If you do not have these 3 items, depending on the individual shelter, your pet may not be accepted. Portsmouth will do everything possible to accommodate your pet, unless it poses a danger to others (pets or people) in the shelter.

Identification

• Pet vaccination records (particularly rabies)
• Id tag/collar or microchip number
• Current photo and physical description of your pet (in case you get separated)

Food/Water/Transport

• Carrier/crate/leash and collar (write your pets name on the carrier along with contact info in case you are separated)
• Food: 7-10 day supply
• Water: 7-10 day supply (bottled or portable water purifier)
• Medicines with proper labeling (include cooler for prescriptions such as insulin that need to be refrigerated)

Other Items

• Disposable litter trays, extra litter, scooper
• Waterproof containers
• Flashlights
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper towels
• Bleach
• Small garbage bags
• A basic pet first aid kit which should include items such as:
• Disposable gloves
• Saline eye solution (for rinsing eyes of irritants)
• Gauze pads
• Over-the-Counter antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive tape
• Styptic powder (to stop minor bleeding)
• Alcohol wipes
• Ice pack
• Tweezers
• Name, address and phone number of your veterinarian
• Towels
• Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
• Location of the nearest Veterinary emergency hospital

(Go to www.aspcapro.org and search “Pet First Aid Kits” for a more in depth