Berkeley Animal Care Services recommendations to help keep you and your pets safe during a disaster.
In the event of an emergency, a well practice disaster plan will not only reduce stress but will also save precious time, and possibly lives.
Before a disaster strikes;
Identify your pet. Keep your pet’s city license current. Make sure that collar and tags are worn at all times. Consider having a safe, permanent microchip implanted in your pet. Berkeley Animal Services offers this service, as do many veterinarians.
Crate train your pet.
Train your pet to enter his/her carrier or crate at your command. Try putting your pet’s favorite treat in the carrier and sounding a bell at the same time. Repeat this process every day, until your pet comes running at the sound the same time. Repeat this process every day, until your pet comes running at the sound of the bell. Keep it fresh in your pet’s mind. This training will be extremely helpful when locating a frightened animal. It’s also important to made sure your pet is comfortable being handled. A calm well-trained pet, either on leash or in a carrier will be more welcome wherever you go.
Prepare a First Aid Kit and include:
- Pet first aid manual
- Large and small bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Cotton swabs
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting or clean deep wounds)
- Elastic tape (vet wrap)
- Saline eye wash
- Ear cleaning solutions
- K-Y Jelly (water soluble lubricant)
- Soft muzzle
- And special medications prescribed by your vet.
Disaster Pet Supplies to be kept in a safe easily accessible place:
- Pet first aid kit
- Sturdy crate or pet carrier
- Identification tags and collar
- Leashes and/or harness
- Food and water (one weeks supply for each pet)
- Spill proof bowls
- Litter box and litter
- Any special mediations
- Manual can opener and plastic lid
- Copies of your pet’s vaccination and history and microchip number.
- Recent photos of each pet
- Long term confinement equipment: chains, cable runs, tie-out stakes, portable caging.
- Large plastic bags
In Case Of Evacuation, evacuate your pet as early as possible. The Berkeley Animal Care Services does not recommend that you leave your pet behind during an evacuation.
If you must, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety:
- Post a highly visible sign in the window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind.
- Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over. If possible, leave a faucet to drip or partially fill a bathtub with water.
- Leave plenty of dry food. Do not leave vitamin treats, which can be fatal if over-eaten.
- Do not tie or cage your pet! The chances for survival are greater if he/she can move around. Leave your pet in a room with no windows but adequate ventilation, such as a bathroom utility room or garage. Keep cats and dogs separate, even if they usually get along well.
If Your Pet is Lost
- Immediately call or visit the animal shelter to report your pet missing.
- When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to post and distribute “Lost Pet” posters. Be sure to include photo of pet, your name, home address and phone numbers.
- Continue to search the ares for your missing pet. A frightened animal can stay hidden for days.
If You Find a Lost Pet notify your local animal shelter as soon as possible. Remember that sick and/or injured animals can become unpredictable from fear and pain, and should be handled only by professionals with proper equipment. Keep the found animal isolated from your pets.
Berkeley Animal Care Services
2013 Second Street; Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 981-6600