Animal
Emergency
Planning

Unfortunately, emergencies come in many forms which may require anything from a brief absence from your home to a permanent evacuation, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pet(s) is to be prepared.

Be "Pup-pared"

Here are four simple steps you can follow to ensure you’re ready before disaster strikes:

Post a Rescue Alert Sticker: This sticker will alert people that you have pets inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers (we recommend placing it on or near your front door), and that it includes the type and number of pets in your home as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.

Arrange a Safe Haven: NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET(S) BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet(s). Pets left at home can become trapped, escape or be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Since not all emergency shelters accept pets, it is imperative you determine where you will bring your pet(s) ahead of time:

Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding facilities.
Ask your local animal shelter if they can provide emergency shelter or foster care.
Identify hotels, in and outside of your immediate area, that accept pets.
Ask friends and relatives if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Choose Designated Caregiver(s): When selecting a temporary caregiver, always consider someone who lives close to your home. Preferably, they should be someone who is generally home during the day or have easy access to your home. This could be a neighbor or someone who has pets of their own.

Ideally, when selecting a more permanent caregiver or “foster parent”, consider people who have met your pet or have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length so that they fully understand the responsibility of caring for your pet(s) long-term.

Prepare Emergency Supply Kit: In the event you must evacuate your home, always plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. See below for a suggested list of what to include in your “Evac-Pack”.

Evac-Pack Tips

Storms, wildfires, or a police emergency in our neighborhood could all be reasons for evacuation. Whatever the reason for abandoning one’s home, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit or “Evac-Pack” ready. While people typically have a pre-packed bag for themselves, far fewer have one for their furry family members. Here are some essential items that we strongly recommend having on hand in case of an emergency:

For Dogs and Cats

To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain their name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Also, be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
The Brevard Humane Society recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters and vet offices.
Always bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or disaster. Unfortunately, pets can become disoriented and wander away from home.
Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
- Pet first-aid kit (contact your vet on what to include)
- A week’s supply of canned and/or dry food
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
- Litter, Pee Pads, and paper towels
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
- Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
- Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)
- At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
- Flashlight
- Familiar Bedding /Blanket to help reduce stress
- Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
- Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter
- Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner

For Rabbits

Rabbit’s digestive systems are very sensitive to stress and should be kept as normal as possible. Therefore, a 2 week supply of rabbit pellets and hay are essential to their diet as fresh vegetables might not be available.
Airtight, waterproof containers (for hay and pellets)
2 week supply of water
Towel(s)
Food & water bowls
Rabbits are unfortunately prone to heat stroke, so if temperatures are expected to exceed 80 degrees, include a 2 liter frozen bottle of water or ice to dampen a towel
Small litter box & 2 weeks supply of litter (shavings)
Pet carrier or collapsible crate

For Other Small Pets

Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.
Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hide box or tube, a week’s worth of bedding.

For Birds

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird’s feathers.
Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.
If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.
Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder.
If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.
Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

When it comes to Emergency Preparedness, especially when pets are involved, the most important thing you can do is plan well in advance. Finding a pet-friendly hotel or lodging is therefore a critical part of your planning. Below is a list of local pet-friendly hotels near you:

Pet-Friendly Shelters

The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets in an emergency is to take them with you when you evacuate. Unfortunately, many evacuation shelters don’t accept pets (with the exclusion of service animals), so you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and your pets will have a safe place to stay. Below is a list of the pet-friendly shelters in Brevard County:

PORT ST. JOHN: Port St. John Community Center, 6650 Corto Road
VIERA: Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
MELBOURNE: Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way
PALM BAY: Ted Whitlock Community Center, 1951 Malabar Road NW

Animal
Emergency
Planning

Be "Pup-pared"

Evac-Pack Tips

For Dogs and Cats

For Rabbits

For Other Small Pets

For Birds

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Cocoa / Merritt Island / Cape Canaveral

Melbourne / Palm Bay

Titusville

Pet-Friendly Shelters

Cocoa

Merritt Island

Quick Links

Popular Keywords

Categories

AnimalEmergencyPlanning

Be "Pup-pared"

Evac-Pack Tips

For Dogs and Cats

For Rabbits

For Other Small Pets

For Birds

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Cocoa / Merritt Island / Cape Canaveral

Melbourne / Palm Bay

Titusville

Pet-Friendly Shelters

Cocoa

Merritt Island

Quick Links

Popular Keywords

Categories

Animal
Emergency
Planning