Emergency Preparedness

Keeping Your Pet Safe in a Disaster

Disaster can take the form of cataclysmic events such as massive floods, hurricanes or earthquakes. But individual family disasters are also common - household fires, floods, etc.

Vancouver sits atop the most active earthquake zone in Canada. We have 300 small, unnoticed earthquakes per year. According to researchers, once every 20 - 50 years, a major jolt normally releases these stored pressures resulting in building damage and minor landslides.

The City of Vancouver recommends that not only do you prepare survival plans for you and your family, but also specific plans for your pets. You are responsible for the survival and well-being of your pets.

As part of your survival plans for your pets, you should:

• practice evacuation
• make arrangements for pet care with neighbours, family and friends

People and groups who should be involved:

• Family
• Friends
• Neighbours: provide them with an extra sets of keys
• Veterinarian: also have information for two back-up vets on file
• Local animal control or humane shelter
• Local boarding and grooming kennels
• Local hotels and motels that accept pets

Develop a buddy system with neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to make it on your own for at least 3 days, preferably for 1 - 2 weeks.

The most important thing to remember is:

IF YOU EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU!

Leaving animals behind significantly decreases their chance of survival.

Even if you believe you will be evacuated for a few hours only, take your pets with you. Once you leave, there is no way to determine how long you'll be kept out of the area and you may not be able to return for your pets.

If you have an emergency pet sticker on your door, if time permits, write EVACUATED with a permanent marker on your door sticker.

Get a Licence

All dogs in the City of Vancouver are required to have a licence. A dog licence is the best ID your dog can have if it ever gets lost. You can buy your licence online or at the Vancouver Animal Shelter, 1280 Raymur Avenue, or at City Hall at the Licence counter, East Wing, Yukon Street.

Now when you buy or renew your dog licence, your pet's information will be entered into the Vancouver Animal Services' Emergency Pet Registry. By having your dog included in the Emergency Pet Registry, emergency responders will know to look for your dog in the event of a disaster. This is especially important if you can't get home to rescue your pet.

The server for the Registry is housed at E-Comm, a reinforced concrete structure designed to resist major earthquakes. Pet reception centres will be part of the City of Vancouver's emergency response activation.

The Emergency Pet Registry is available only for dogs but will be available for other pets soon.

Grab & Go Kits for Pets

Stock up on non-perishables ahead of time and add perishables at the last moment. Keep the kit accessible, stored in sturdy containers. (i.e. duffle bags, storage containers, trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

Ideally, you should have three disaster supply kits - one for home, car and work or school as you never know where you will be located when disaster strikes. Disaster kit contents should be checked twice a year when clocks change for daylight savings time. Food and water should be replaced every 2-3 months.

During a disaster, crate your cat or dog immediately. If you do not, your pet may sense danger and it may be difficult to catch and contain if they hide.

Listen to radio station broadcasting emergency information for any special instructions pertaining to animals. Make note of locations where animals are being housed. You may need to utilize a facility at some point during the disaster.

If there is any doubt as to whether a disaster will affect you - evacuate. At the very least, it will provide you with an opportunity to put your evacuation plans into practice.

Kits for Dogs

Food

• Keep 1-2 weeks supply of dog food stored in air-tight, water-proof containers.
• Have both dry and canned food available if that's what your dog eats. When buying cans, buy the smallest size available as there may not be a proper way to store a half-used can of food and its appetite may decrease under stress.
• Rotate food every 3 months
• Include a manual can opener, extra bowl and spoon

Water

• Keep 1-2 weeks supply in air-tight, water-proof containers.
• Store water in a dark or shaded area as bacteria may form otherwise which can cause diarrhea. To purify water, do not use scented, color-safe or cleaner-added bleaches. Use 2 drops of bleach per quart of water and keep in a tightly sealed container for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Rotate water every 2 months
• Include an extra bowl

Harness, Collar, Leash, Tag and Identification

• Include a harness, leash and collar
• Dogs should have a harness and a minimum 6 foot leash as they can slip out of a collar when frightened. Gauze rolls or pantyhose can be used for a dog muzzle if required.
• Identify your animal with a tattoo or microchip as collars and tags can be lost in a disaster. Have your dog's information included on a national registry.
• Include as many copies as possible (for shelters) of current photos of your dog. Include photos of the two of you together in order to prove ownership. Ensure the photographs are clear and depict your dog's distinguishing marks.
• Have a spare ID tag on which you can write your temporary contact information and include the phone number of a friend or relative outside the immediate area.
• A proper fitting collar and ID tag should be kept on your pet at all times with an extra kept in the kit in case their permanent collar gets lost.

Medication/First Aid Kit

• Include a basic first aid kit for pets and a first aid manual or downloaded brochure.
• Store your first aid kit supplies in a water-proof bag or container along with special medication, your pet's medical records and any photographs you are including.
• Keep vaccinations current and include copies of ownership records in your kit.
• Write a release form authorizing another party to get emergency medication treatment for an injured pet in case you're not available to get approval.
• Add 1-2 weeks supply of any long-term medications
• If your pet is on prescribed medications, keep a reserve supply on hand and/or a current prescription and include directions for how to administer.

Crate or Kennel

• Crates should be labeled with your pet's name, your name and a number(s) where you can be reached.

Comfort Items/Toys

• Toys and familiar items such as a blanket or piece of clothing containing your scent may reduce stress for your pet.
• As your dog may be sheltered in open facilities, include enough bedding to keep him/her warm.

Sanitation

• You will need disinfectant cleaner for cleaning crates and plastic bags and dish soap for cleaning food and water dishes.
• Include several rolls of paper towels and a scooper. A child's small plastic shovel may be used for a dog scooper.

Grooming Supplies

• Dry shampoo could be helpful, in addition to nail clippers and flea powder.

Kits for Cats

Food

• Keep 1-2 weeks supply of cat food stored in air-tight, water-proof containers.
• Have both dry and canned food available if that's what your cat eats. When buying cans, buy the smallest size available as there may not be a proper way to store a half-used can of food and its appetite may decrease under stress.
• Rotate food every 3 months
• Include a manual can opener, extra bowl and spoon

Water

• Keep 1-2 weeks supply in air-tight, water-proof containers.
• Store water in a dark or shaded area as bacteria may form otherwise which can cause diarrhea. To purify water, do not use scented, color-safe or cleaner-added bleaches.
• Use 2 drops of bleach per quart of water and keep in a tightly sealed container for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Rotate water every 2 months
• Include an extra bowl

Collar, Leash, Tag and Identification

• Include a harness and leash to take your cat for walks. Get them adjusted to it beforehand to reduce stress.
• A proper fitting collar and ID tag should be kept on your cat at all times and an extra break-away collar stored in the kit.
• Identify your animal with a tattoo or microchip as collars and tags can be lost in a disaster. Have your cat's information included on a national registry.
• Include as many copies as possible (for shelters) of current photos of your cat. Include photos of the two of you together in order to prove ownership. Ensure the photographs are clear and depict your cat's distinguishing marks.
• Have a spare ID tag on which you can write your temporary contact information and include the phone number of a friend or relative outside the immediate area.

Medication/First Aid Kit

• Include a basic first aid kit for pets and a first aid manual or downloaded brochure.
• Store your first aid kit supplies in a water-proof bag or container along with special medication, your pet's medical records and any photographs you are including.
• Keep vaccinations current and include copies of ownership records in your kit.
• Write a release form authorizing another party to get emergency medication treatment for an injured pet, in case you're not available to get approval
• Add 1-2 weeks supply of any long-term medications
• If your pet is on prescribed medications, keep a reserve supply on hand and/or a current prescription and include directions for how to administer.

Crate or Kennel

• Crates should be labeled with your pet's name, your name and a number(s) where you can be reached
• Evac sacs work well for transporting cats but should not be used for extended periods of time.

Comfort Items/Toys

• Toys and familiar items such as a blanket or piece of clothing containing your scent may reduce stress for your pet.
• As your cat may be sheltered in open facilities, include enough bedding to keep him/her warm.

Sanitation

• You will need disinfectant cleaner for cleaning crates and plastic bags and dish soap for cleaning food and water dishes.
• Include several rolls of paper towels, plastic bags and kitty litter for cats. Plastic jugs of kitty litter are better for storing than bags.

Grooming Supplies

• Dry shampoo could be helpful, in addition to nail clippers and flea powder

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