Make pets part of your emergency plan
Include your pets in your plans as well. Take your pets
with you if you evacuate. Be aware that pets (other than
service animals) usually are not permitted in emergency
public shelters for health reasons. Prepare a list of
family, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians and
“pet friendly” hotels that can shelter your
pets in an emergency.
A good source for pet-friendly hotels is www.letgopets.com,
which lists dozens in the Knoxville area.
“If people show up at public shelters with pets,
we call in the Disaster Animal Response Team, a local
volunteer group that works with animal shelters, to provide
boarding and care,” says Mary Beth Birge, director
of disaster services for the American Red Cross of Knoxville.
The University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine
helps coordinate the Disaster Animal Response Team, activated
last year during Hurricane Katrina. For more information
and to see disaster relief announcements, visit the Web
site www.vet.utk.edu/dart.
“We have a process to evacuate pets when their
owners are required to evacuate an area. We go into effect
when Knox County designates an emergency,” such
as a railroad car chemical spill that happened a few years
ago, says Dr. Nancy Howell of the vet school.
In case of emergency evacuation, call the UT College
of Veterinary Medicine at 974-8387.
Another source if PetSafe Village, 777-3647, billed as
Knoxville’s only 24-hour care facility, staffed
365 days a year.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the West Knox
County boarding facility took in at least 20 animals,
working closely with the Humane Society of the Tennessee
Valley and out-of-state animal rescue groups.
If people were forced to leave the Knoxville area because
of a disaster, the Humane Society wouldn’t be able
to house animals for them “because we would be in
the disaster too,” says Executive Director Vicky
Crosetti.
However, she advises area residents to take precautions
before disaster strikes:
- Have a plan to evacuate your animals.
- Food, water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a can opener.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions,
behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian
in case you have to board your pets.
- Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
At the first hint of disaster, you should act to protect
your pet. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements
for you and your pets. Check to be sure your pet’s
disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s
notice. Bring all pets into the house so you won’t
have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars with
securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the
phone number and address of the temporary shelter, if
you know it, or a friend or relative outside the disaster
area.
Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate
with your pets quickly and safely. Keep in mind that animals
react differently under stress. Outside your home and
in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats
in carriers. Don’t leave animals unattended anywhere
they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic,
hide, and try to escape or even bite or scratch. When
you return home, give your pets time to settle back into
their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior
problems persist.
