Editors Note: This article has been edited to focus primarily on horses and livestock. To see Susi Pittman’s article on Disaster Preparedness for Pets in its entirety, please contact Russell Trahan, PRwhiz@prpr.net
Most of us are guilty of the “not me” train of thought when it comes to the idea of a natural or man-made disaster disrupting our lives. Tornadoes, floods, fires, hurricanes, gas leak, or chemical spills very often occur without much warning, if any. We don’t like to think about terrible things happening to us, so we tend to send it back to the inactive regions of our mind. But, what if it does happen to us, what if everything we love and hold dear is threatened with the possibility of death? What about the pets we love who are part of our family circle?
Disaster preparedness saves more than human lives it also saves the lives of those other family members endowed with fur, feather or scale. Too often, even those who plan for the potential of dealing with a disaster will not take into consideration how they will handle the needs of the family pets. In the face of disaster, when danger is imminent, is not the time to plan.
Horse and livestock owners are also encouraged to have an evacuation and shelter plan.
It is a rule of thumb that trailering animals out of harm’s way should take place 72 hours in advance, if possible, so not to jeopardize the possibility of getting caught in evacuation traffic. Horses and other livestock should have at least a 7-10 day supply of food and water, taking into consideration that a 1000-lb. horse should have 5 gallons of water a day. The aftermath of a disaster can leave an enormous amount of devastation and returning home may not be possible right away. Veterinarian records, halters and leads, trash bags, water buckets, rope, and updated photos, in case your animal gets lost, are necessities for your evacuation kit. Have some identification means for your animal. For horses, consider a halter tag, tattoo, leg band, and mane clip, or neck collar. For cattle, goats and the like, ear tags, neck chain, or a back or tail chain. You can even shave information in your animal’s hair. You may need to rent a trailer or truck to haul your livestock. Take time now to reserve whatever trailer needs you might have; the chances of it being available when the danger is close is nil. It is best to take the time to acclimate your animal to the trailer it will be carried in to avoid having a frightened and unruly animal who could force you to leave it behind. The time to introduce your horse to a trailer is not in the face of impending disaster, when it senses your fear and approaching danger. If you choose to place your livestock in a safe facility, then start now in locating a facility out of harm’s way. If you do not have friends or relatives to harbor you and your livestock, check with your local veterinarian for suggestions or even go to craigslist.com online to look for potential shelters. Also consider surveying boarding stables or veterinarian clinics in different areas of your state to compile a list of those that would be a safe-haven for your horse during a disaster. If you still cannot locate a shelter in your area, you will need to consider taking your horse with you.
Animals sense the heightened anxiety that you feel as well as the change in the natural elements as the nature of the emergency evolves. Be prepared to handle your horse’s anxiety with as much calm as you can muster. Be reassuring as you go about your evacuation plan. . To ease your horse’s anxiety also bring along something familiar, a blanket, toy, feed pan, etc
A crucial time to monitor your pet is after the emergency passes. Returning home is a time or re-orientation. Familiar scents and landmarks may be virtually changed and your horse may be confused with the new environment. Power lines can be down and dangerous wildlife or materials, reptiles and/or debris could pose a threat. During the daylight hours, release horses and livestock into a safe enclosed area. Allow your horses to become re-oriented to their surroundings. Your horses eating and sleeping habits may be interrupted from the stress and trauma of the disaster experience. Allow them to receive as much sleep as they want and feed them with smaller food servings if they have been without food for a prolonged period of time. They need their adjustment time, too.
Make your phone calls now to secure your pet evacuation plans. Pack a plastic storage container for safe keeping ahead of time and include your photos, immunization papers, and other necessary items. Then you can grab and go when the time comes. If you do not need to evacuate you’ve lost nothing as all items can be used and you have certainly kept peace of mind.
Creating an evacuation plan now for your pet family members will give you the head start to success and survival that will keep all the family together in good times or bad. Take responsibility for making sure your family and your pets are safe from danger. Don’t delay, prepare now.
About the author:
Susi Pittman is the author of “Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!” and founder of Catholic Stewards of Creation. She is a conservationist and animal advocate who lives in Florida with 14 rescued pet family members. To learn more about her upcoming book visit, www.catholicswanttoknow.com.
