Pet Emergency Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to have a disaster plan that includes pets?

  • In the event of a disaster, and you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do is evacuate your pets too. This advanced planning is essential – it could save your pets life and make yours easier during a threatening storm emergency.

What is the most important thing pet owners can do during an emergency evacuation?

  • Have a Pet Supply Kit assembled and ready to go upon evacuation notice. The kit should include the following:
  1. Medical and current vaccination records from your vet.
  2. Medications
  3. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavioral problems and the name and number of your vet in case you have to foster or board your pet
  4. First Aid Kit
  5. Sturdy leashes and carriers to transport your pets
  6. Minimum of 3 days supply of food and water – in sanitized non-breakable container. Estimate 1 liter per large dog per day. Adjust for small pets. Do NOT allow pets to drink any contaminated water from puddles or unknown sources
  7. Current photos in case they get lost
  8. Pet beds and toys
  9. Manual can opener
  10. Cat litter and pan
  11. Plenty of newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, cleaner and disinfectants to properly handle pet waste (zip-lock plastic bags work well)
  • If you are not able to evacuate your pet with you or not at home at the time of evacuation the following are precautions you can take to increase your pets chances of survival; however, they are NOT substitutes for evacuation with your pets.
  1. Keep your Pet Supply Kit (above) updated and leave it accessible.
  2. Notify a nearby friend or neighbor that your pets are at home. Leave a house key with the friend/relative so that pets may be relocated if necessary. Leave information regarding your pets and where you can be reached.
  3. Leave visible signs in windows indicating that pet are inside.
  4. Make sure all pets wear current ID tags. Microchip your pets if possible
  5. Bring your pets indoors well ahead of the storm. Do NOT leave any pet outside or tied up.
  6. Provide pets an escape route. Find a location which will be away from possible flood water.
  7. Leave only dry food which will not spoil easily. Leave fresh water in bathtubs or non-spill containers.
  8. NEVER leave animals of different species together. Put dogs and cats in separate quarters.
  9. Leave difficult or dangerous animals in special crates or cages to reduce the possibility of them getting loose and to help emergency personnel handle them

What do you recommend as a good plan of action in case of imminent danger (hurricane, earthquake, etc)?

  • The best plan of action is to evacuate with your pets.
  • If you are going to a public shelter you need to arrange for your pets to be boarded at a vet clinic or boarding facility or with family or friends not in the affected area.
  • Check website: www.clemson.edu/lph - Emergency Preparedness for a list of Pet Friendly Hotels/Motels.
  • Suggestions from the above question.

What precautions can be taken to protect farm animals/livestock in case of an evacuation?

  • If possible, evacuate well in advance
  • Turn the animals out(do not shut them up in a barn or area) to avoid problems with flooding. Animals will evacuate to higher ground if they are loose and can roam.
  • Have individual ID on all animals and have a record of these numbers
  • You could paint your name and telephone number on the animals side.
  • Keep accurate inventories of all animals on your farm.
  • Have feed, hay and water available at higher ground and well protected from wind and water
  • Stockpile feed, hay and water to use after the storm
  • Stock up on veterinary supplies (bandages, topical antibiotics)
  • Have ropes and halters for restraining injured animals after the storm
  • Immediately before the storm, turn off electric power and water in the barn.

If a person must wait out a storm/hurricane/etc. at home, what can be done to protect animals in the household?

  • Keep them on as normal routine as possible (feeding time, play time, exercise time).
  • Have the minimum of 3 days supply of food (dry, not easily spoiled) and water. Estimate 1 liter per day per large dog. Adjust for smaller pets.
  • Try to keep emotions as level as possible. Even the most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape, bite or scratch when alarmed. This applies to family members as well as strangers. Be extremely cautious and gentle.
  • When the storm is over, give them time to settle back into their routines. Consult your vet if any behavioral problems arise after the storm.
  • Have plenty of newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, cleaner and disinfectants to properly handle pet waste.

What exactly is the role of Clemson emergency preparedness personnel during times of crisis?

  • To provide animal emergency management and response throughout South Carolina, before, during, and after disasters.
  • For specific information on ESF-17 Animal Emergency Response go to www.scemd.org. Click on Site Map; Click on Library (South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan). Page down to Annex 17 (Animal Emergency Response) This annex gives specific responsibilities of CULPH and all supporting agencies by agency.