Preparation for Pets
The Wilsonville Ready campaign reminds Wilsonville residents with pets and/or livestock to formulate an emergency plan that incorporates them into your preparedness activities.
Preparation / Evacuation
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals outlines a few simple steps you can follow now to make sure you’re ready before the next disaster strikes. The American Red Cross also offers some pet preparedness tips, including a reminder to make sure your pets are current on all shots.
You may need to leave home with little notice. Do research about evacuation routes and make a list of places that accept pets in an emergency. This could include out-of-area friends and relatives, pet-friendly hotels, local veterinary clinics, animal shelters, etc.
In most cases where people seek shelter, staying with friends and family is the best option. If that’s your plan, confirm ahead of time that your hosts can accommodate your pet(s). If you intend to stay at a hotel or public shelter, know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency.
Alert Rescue Crews of Pets in Your Home
During an emergency, it’s important to let others know that your pets are inside. A rescue alert sticker in a visible location, preferably near the front door, can alert rescue personnel about the type and number of animals in your home, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. You can order free Rescue Alert Stickers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Choose a “Designated Caregiver”
To protect your pets in an emergency, decide who will care for them if you cannot. Choose someone trustworthy who is usually home or can get to your pets quickly. Provide them with keys and access codes needed to reach your pets and make sure they know where to find your pet’s emergency kit, information about your pet’s health conditions or special needs, and veterinary contacts.
Service animals
Service animals may be permitted in locations where other house pets are not allowed. ADA rules regarding service animals are a bit complex, and worth reviewing.
Emergency Supplies
Just as you should do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think about your pet’s basic survival needs, such as food and water. Prepare two kits, a larger one for sheltering in place and a light-weight version for an evacuation. Your pets will need many of the same items you would need in your kit, including medicines and grooming items. You’ll also want to keep copies of vital documents, a current photos of you with your pet, vaccinations records, microchip information and tag information. These become important in the event your shelter location requires it, or if you become separated from your pet. Review your kit regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
- A checklist of pet supplies on FEMA's website includes tips for large animals.
PET IDENTIFICATION
Emergencies can be scary for pets, who can easily get spooked or separated from you. To protect them, routinely check that your pets have secure collars with current ID tags, vaccination tags, and licenses. As an added precaution, use a GPS collar or have your pets micro-chipped and keep your contact information current. Snap a photo of your pets with you or other family members; this makes it easier to be reunited if you get separated.
Livestock
Non-traditional pets, including livestock, that require additional planning. Ensure each animals has some form of identification (a tag). If you know a hazard is approaching, evacuate early. Know your destination, and what resources they may have available. Ensure that you have the necessary vehicles and trailers to accomplish a move. Historically, in the wake of disaster, counties may be able to offer specialized large breed shelters at county fairgrounds or similar locations. Coordinate with your local County’s emergency management office to identify these locations.
