Pet Hurricane Evacuation Information

Are You Prepared - Do You Have Pets?

Imagine a police officer knocks at your door. A hurricane has suddenly changed course - you have 45 minutes to evacuate:

1. Can you gather all pets and put them in carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all of your pets?
2. Are all your pets wearing collars with ID tags, their name, your name, your phone and emergency phone number?
3. If your cat escapes the carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a photo?
4. Do you know where you can go in the event of an evacuation?
5. Do you know of nearby pet friendly motels?
6. Do you know where a pet friendly emergency shelter is?
7. Is your vet's phone number on your emergency list?
8. Do you have an alternate plan in case you're at work?
9. Where is your pet's emergency "Go Kit"?

Pre-Register You and Your PETS

For More on the Hurricane Shelter, visit....
Companion Hurricane Shelter
Carteret County, NC
On-line Pre-registration
Carteret County Emergency Services
252-728-8470
Website

Get Ready Now!!

Make a commitment to take your animals with you when you evacuate. If the conditions are not safe for you they are not any safer for your pet(s). Leaving your pet tied up outside to a tree or a fence is not an option. Leaving your pet indoors is risky due to floods from tidal surges which could trap your animal in a house filling quickly with water. You need to find a safe area outside of the danger zone for you and your pet(s).

Get your pet's evacuation supplies ready to go. This includes ample supplies of pet foods, kitty litter, water and any required medicines (i.e. heartworm medicine, sedatives, motion sickness pills). Also pack extra bowls, a litter box, plastic bags, newspaper, paper towels and cleaning supplies in case of accidents wherever you go.

Get a portable pet carrier (or metal cages) NOW! Last year, pet supply stores sold out of carriers/cages because everyone needed carriers at the same time. This will also give you a chance to select the proper size and style for your pet(s). In some cases, you may have to order a special cage or carrier that is not normally stocked. This item is important because many hotels and motels will accept you and your pet if you have a carrier or cage. Put some type of identification on your carrier with your pet's name included and if possible, a photo of your pet.

Make sure your vaccinations are current and make copies of your records to take with you. Most boarding facilities require proof of vaccination, and if your pet does bite someone, having proof of rabies shots will be helpful.

Get a properly fitted collar with up-to-date rabies and identification tags. This could be their round-trip ticket in the event they get lost. Dogs need a leash appropriate for their size.

Compile a list of possible places to go in the event of an evacuation. This should include family, friends, hotels and boarding facilities outside of the danger area. Do not plan to leave your pet anywhere within the hurricane strike zone - even if a boarding facility is willing to take your animal.

When a Hurricane Strike is Likely

Start calling places to go with your pet(s). Make hotel or boarding facility reservations, outside hurricane strike zone, if needed. Get your pet supplies and carriers ready to go.

When Evacuation is Strongly Recommended

Load up your personal items, your pet supplies, your pets and go! If traveling by car, make sure your pets have good ventilation and water periodically. Make regular stops along the way for bathroom breaks. Do not leave your four- legged friends in the danger zone! If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet(s).

Pet Supply Checklist

• Food and water for at least 2 weeks for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
• Portable Carrier/Crate large enough for pet to stand and turn around in. Separate crate for each pet.
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid guide book is also good to include, along with roller bandages, scissors, gauze, antibiotic ointment.
• Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags (plenty of them!) to collect all pets' waste, and litter scoop.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
• Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
• Information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
• Cleaning supplies to include paper towels, disinfectant, plastic trash bags, hand sanitizer, "bath wipes and plastic poop bags.