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Many pets become lost or separated from their families during storms or other disasters.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency want you to include your cat, dog or other animals in your disaster preparedness plans.
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, tens of thousands of animals were left behind to fend for themselves because no provision had been made for the evacuation of pets along with families. One survey conducted after Katrina found that 44% of those who chose to ride out the storm did so because they could not evacuate with their animals, according to CNN.
The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that as many as 104,000 pets remained in New Orleans during the storm. Of those, about 15,500 were rescued but only about 15% to 20% of the rescued animals were reunited with their owners. At least 88,700 pets were unaccounted for. Most estimates put the number of animals who died during Katrina between 50,000 and 70,000 across the entire Gulf Coast.
PETS Act
In 2006, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which required local jurisdictions to have a pet evacuation plan in place to qualify for FEMA funding in the event of a disaster. The PETS Act has saved countless animal lives in subsequent disasters and reflects the public understanding that pets are indeed a part of the family.
The Humane Society of the United States reminds us, “If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately and take your animals. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not for them.”
Here are helpful tips to share with your insurance clients on how to make sure pets are prepared and safe in case of the next natural disaster or other emergency:
Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, the tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited with your pet.
Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping. If you and your pet are separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a veterinarian or shelter identify your animal. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact information up-to-date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to you and your pet being reunited.
Remember, the average citizen who finds your pet won’t be able to scan for a chip, but they will probably be able to read a basic tag.
If you have a companion animal, get ready now for possible emergencies by creating a kit of pet supplies. The kit should include the basics for your pet’s survival.
Plan in advance what you’ll do in an emergency to ensure your pet’s safety.
Evacuate. Plan how you’ll gather your pets and anticipate where you’ll go. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your pets may not be allowed inside.
Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of your animals. Consider family or friends outside your immediate area who would be willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency.
Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or some sort of boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.
Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and other farther away, where you will meet in an emergency.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things you should include in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter.
Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or ASPCA and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you, and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your doors or windows, including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to write the words “Evacuated with Pets” across the stickers, should you evacuate your home with your pets.
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