To help pet owners be more prepared for a house fire or natural disaster, we developed Emergency Evacuation Bags to have ready to go. When disaster strikes, grab your pet, take the bag, and get to safety!
These drawstring bags each contain a blanket, a collapsible food and water bowl, a pet first aid kit, a slip leash, and a waterproof bag for medical records and medications. Each bag also contains a booklet of information about how to help all family members, from birds to livestock, survive a disaster.
Emergencies come in many forms. Evacuation may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers. It should include
If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers. Countrycare Animal Complex has emergency stickers available – see us for details.
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication, and copies of medical/insurance information.
When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home.
When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past.
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it’s crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.
What People
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"Dr. Heintz was so gentle and compassionate with our dog. The vet tech was so kind and understanding with all of the questions that I asked her. They made me feel comfortable with the decisions that we made for Maddie." - Faye D., Algoma
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