Earthquakes

How To Keep Your Pets Safe

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ― Consider getting a carrying crate for your pet to make transporting them after the earthquake easier.

Your kit should include the following items:

1. Sturdy leashes and pet carriers.
2. Food, potable water and medicine for at least one week.
3. Non spill bowls, manual can opener and plastic lid.
4. Plastic bags or a litter box and litter
5. Muzzle
6. A recent photo of each pet in case they are lost
7. Names and phone numbers of your emergency contact, emergency veterinary hospitals and animal shelters
8. Copy of your pet's vaccination history and any medical problems
9. Portable fencing or baby gates

Evacuation

Remember that animals react differently under stress which means that even the best trained pet must be kept securely leashed or placed into a carrier.

After the earthquake locate your animals and keep them with you—this is the safest place for them.
Beforehand find a safe location by calling a nearby motel or hotel to see if they will accept pets and under what condition. Most evacuation shelters will not accept pets due to health and safety concerns.

If you must leave your animal behind because you have no other alternative, then place them in a secure room with no windows but good ventilation, such as a bathroom.

Make sure to inform rescue workers of your pet's status by leaving a note on your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home, the number you can be reached at and the date that you evacuated. When you evacuate leave them with plenty of water and food and if possible use a timed feeder so that they do not overeat.

Be aware that shelters will only allow service animals.
In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up when possible. Animal Care and Control's (ACC) facility at 15th and Harrison will be an animal sheltering resource.

Animal Care and Control / Call 3-1-1 San Francisco Disaster Preparedness Coalition for Animals: http://www.sfdpca.net

Emily White of the Bay Area chapter of the American Red Cross explains
What To Include In Your Pet Kit

For more information, visit http://www.prepare.org/animal/petprotect.pdf


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