August is Disaster / Emergency Preparedness Month

10% Off of Microchipping

5% Off of Vaccines & Wellness Exams

Pets and Disasters

• Disasters, natural & man made, effect all of us. They also effect pets and wildlife too!

• They don’t have a voice or understanding of what’s happening – we have to advocate for them!

• Being prepared is the best way to avoid loss of life!

Hurricanes• Hurricanes are the EASIEST disaster to

survive because you have time to prepare!

• The beginning of Hurricane season start double checking your pet emergency kit!

• The Red Cross and ASPCA provide animal disaster kit recommendations on their websites!

Ask yourself these questions:

• If I have to evacuate do I know where my animals can go?

• Research pet friendly motels!• Talking to boarding facilities & veterinarians

about their availability during disasters (some of these places my close as well).

• Talk to stables about evacuating your livestock and what their temporary boarding availability is. (What species/sexes that they will take and requirements).

Are my animals prepared to evacuate?• Almost all boarding facilities for dogs and cats require

current Rabies & Distemper vaccines in the last year, & Kennel Cough vaccine and fecal in the last 6 months. Cats may be required to have a current Leukemia/Fiv Test and vaccines!

• MAKE SURE YOUR PETS A UP TO DATE BEFORE THE SEASON STRIKES!

• Have a copy of your records to take with your pet in case your vet is closed when you go to drop off your pets, otherwise you may be turned away from kennels or have to pay for the services again if not boarding with your regular vet!

Are my animals prepared to evacuate?• Health certificates• If your pet or livestock will be crossing

state lines during an evacuation – they need a health certificate issued by your veterinarian to avoid rejection of entry, seizure and fines. Health Certificates requirements and the duration they are good for vary from state to state.

Evacuation – Food & Medications• You should always have at least 2 weeks of your

pets normal food & medication when you evacuate.

• Ask you vet for a written prescription for prescription food or medications to keep in your emergency kit in case something catastrophic happens to your town!

• Items need to be in water proof & air tight storage! Make sure that they are clearly labeled.

Are my Horses prepared to evacuate?• Horses are required to have a current coggins

within the last 12 months (in NC) to travel or stay at a public barn.

• Most facilities also require current vaccines – be sure to have stabling pre arranged with requirements

• Have 1-2 weeks supplies of grain, hay & medications since horses don’t tolerate change well in their diets.

• Do you have transportation for your horse? Does your horse load well? If you didn’t answer yes to both of these questions plan & practice!

Microchip Your Animal!!!• Did you know that pets that are separated from their

owners that are microchipped are 60% more likely to be reunited than pets with other forms of ID?

• Collars, halters and tags can fall off or be removed…• After some disasters people were trying to claim

other people’s animals! Microchipped animals enrolled in their owner’s name give you an undisputable advantage in re-claiming your pet!

The chip is given just like a vaccine!

Severe Weather / Flooding

• When severe weather strikes sometimes you get a little warning or none at all!

• If severe weather is moving into an area be sure that your pets are protected!– Adequate shelter– Proper identification– A regular vet

Adequate Shelter• Be sure that your pet’s kennels are high and dry. • That they have a safe enclosure to get out of

the elements.• If your pet is tied out – can they get to

shade/shelter? Are they at risk for lightning strike by what they are tied to?

• How will the enclosure hold up to high winds?

High winds / Flooding• Did you know that in the event of high winds /

tornadoes / flooding - the safest place may not be your kennel or barn?

• For livestock & horses, being out in a large field where they can escape flying debris and floodwaters, is safer than being buried alive by rubble or drowning in a barn!

• If your home is at risk for flooding, NEVER leave you pets indoors when you evacuate, they can drown inside in your absence!

Fires• Death by fire is a horrible way to die! Prevention and

preparedness is the key!• Use decals on windows that list what animals are inside• Socialize your pets!! Any animal will be scared during a

disaster – but not being properly socialized puts responders at a disadvantage in getting your pet out during an emergency!

• Keep smoke detectors in working order and have a fire extinguisher!

• Have an evacuation plan and practice with your family! Small pets (cats, birds, exotics) can be tied inside a pillow to get out in a time sensitive evacuation. Practice this technique! Your pet will forgive you

Fires• Barn fires are very deadly due to all the dry

matter stored there (hay, straw, shavings…)• Keep fire extinguishers in good working order

and in multiple locations. • Inspect all wiring every 6 months. • NO SMOKING in or around the barns.• Keep halter & leads at every stall and practice

leading your horse blind-folded as that technique is sometimes required in a barn fire!

Transportation Disasters• All animals should be microchipped and have on

collars/halters with tags. In the event you were in an accident and they got away they can be easily identified and returned.

• Pets should travel in carriers at all times in the vehicle. This prevents distractions with the driver from pets running around & if your were in an impact accident, they are secured in a crate vs. being ejected through a window or worse!

• Horses/livestock should be in fully enclosed trailers (no open tops, gaps over doors or open windows for them to stick their heads out).

Emergency – Animal Attacks• The 2 biggest things you need to know

about animal attacks are:– Make sure your pet has a current Rabies

vaccine at all times!!! It’s the law and a public health liability. If your pet is attacked by something rabid or of unknown Rabies status, your pet could be euthanized or quarantined for 6-12 months by NC law at your expense!

Emergency – Animal Attacks• The 2 biggest things you need to know about

animal attacks are:– Prevent the attack!– Keep your pet confined and under your control at all

times.– Un-neutered males are more likely to fight.– Avoid wild animals and animals you don’t know.– Do not allow your pet to run up to a strange animal

and ask other owners to show you the same respect!

Remember…• Have an evacuation kit with:

2 weeks of medication & food

4 color photos of pet (plus photos unique markings)

Copy of vaccine records

Copy of registration papers

Copy of Microchip, Brands or Tattoos