Earthquake and pets advice

Consider having the vet 'microchip' your pets.

You need:

current photos of your pets in case they get lost, (A current picture of you and your pet together can help prove ownership.)

extra pet food/water, bowls, (manual can opener)

cat litter/box,

a 1 month supply of pet's regular medications,

copies of medical records stored in a water proof container,

sturdy leashes, harnesses, slip-leads and collars

a good pet carrier to transport pets safely and help ensure they will not escape (practice getting them used to it in advance). A pillowcase can be used for a cat or other small animal if you did not prepare properly. When you have a family evacuation drill, include the pets.

yard tie-out anchor,

blanket for bedding or an easily transportable bed,

a favorite toy,

and you might wish you had a muzzle sized to your dog.

You may also want neosporin ointment for minor wounds. (Animals can easily get cut after an earthquake. Ask your vet if there is anything specific you should include for your animal.)

Pets may not be allowed at emergency shelters due to health regulations, etc. (Service animals might be allowed). Have proof of current vaccinations. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area in case you have to relocate. If there are none, contact other hotels and ask if they would waive their no pet policies after a disaster, or contact friends and relatives in advance.

DO NOT try to hold your pet during the quake.

Animals will instinctively protect themselves and hide. If you get in the way, even the nicest pets can turn on you. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until the aftershocks have subsided and they have calmed down.

If you pet is injured, approach slowly and cautiously.

Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you. Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened. A cat might crouch with ears flattened to it's head. A dog might snarl and it's hair might raise on it's back/hind. Yes, even your favorite family pet.

Quick, jerky movements, or loud voices can scare your pet.

When necessary to treat or move a cat or small dog, use a large towel or blanket to subdue them. You might wish you had tried this in advance to know how you pet might react.

The Red Cross sells pet first aid books and has pet first aid classes.

Your pet should wear a securely fastened collar and ID tag.(ID tags and license should be current.) You'll need proof of current vaccinations to be able to board your pet.

IF your pet is lost, walk your neighborhood slowly and call out your pet's name. Inform as many people in the neighborhood as possible so they can keep a lookout. (Have a current picture of your pet to show around. A current picture of you and your pet together can help prove ownership.)

Check found animals ads in the paper and run a lost pet advertisement. (During the most recent big quake in our area the cats ran off for days, but came back on their own. The local major newspaper ran the lost pet ad for free.)

Visit the local shelter every day. Make a flyer with pet's name, description, photo, and your name and phone number.

Consider making your pet a-stay-at-home-inside pet, They are less likely to be injured. In a disaster pets can become disoriented, especially if the disaster has affected scent markers they are used to, to be able to find their way home.

If you have to board your pet, try to visit daily.

You can order a free pet rescue sticker for your front window from www.aspca.org

When an evacuation is needed your pets need to go with you. They might escape from a damaged home and are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation or predators. They might consume contaminated food or water.

From the Centers for Disease Control:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp

AFTER THE QUAKE:

When out for a walk, or even before you let your pet in the yard, be aware of hazards and nose and paw level that weren't there before. Debris, broken glass, spilled chemicals and fertilizers can be dangerous. Clean them up. Displaced wild animals, including snakes, can be dangerous to your pets. Having pets stay inside for few days could be the best plan.

Be sure any fence you depend on to keep your pet in the yard is still intact.

Watch pets closely. Normally quite and frinedly pets may become fearfull, aggressive or defensive. If your pet is having persistant behavior problems contact the vet.

You will need a battery-operated air pump (with extra batteries) for the aquarium.

Evacuating with animals takes more time. Preparing in advance will help you evacuate more quickly and give you more options.

If you keep pets inside after the quake, separate cats and dogs. Even dogs and cats that normally get along might act irrationally.

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Disaster planning

earthquake home hazards survey

You can find detailed maps (with zoom in capability) of potential road closures, risk of liqufaction and flooding, such as this map of potential Bay Area road closures after a San Andreas fault 7.2 quake,

at the ABAG link at: Earthquake information sources

Helping Children Cope With Disaster

Disaster Supplies

Store water for after an earthquake

Babysitter Consent and Contact Form

Fast, easy, cheap earthquake preparedness

hazardous household chemical mixtures

Home Fire Safety Checklist