Storm ready: Safeguarding pets and livestock from hurricanes
As Gulf Coast residents prepare for the possibility of Tropical Storm Isaias becoming a hurricane, their evacuation and storm-proofing plans should also factor in the animals that are a part of their lives.
Coastal residents are accustomed to weighing the question of hunkering down or leaving town, but Dr. Chance Armstrong, associate clinical professor in Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, urged animal owners in flood-prone areas to consider the health and well-being of pets, horses, cattle and other companion animals in their planning.
“If you’re evacuating, we strongly emphasize taking your pets with you and not leaving them behind,” said Armstrong, who leads the Auburn University Veterinary Emergency Response Team (AVERT). “Have a ‘go bag’ for the pets.”
With a network of more than 40 volunteers, AVERT can be deployed at the request of county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) officials to help and heal companion, farm and food animals in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies.
Small animal essentials
For cat and dog owners, an emergency kit should include food and medicine, as well as travel, sanitation and first aid supplies. Armstrong recommends having enough pet food to last five to seven days, a seven-day supply of drinking water, collapsible pet bowls, a manual can opener, a scoop or spoon, and a two-week supply of any regular medications needed by your animal
Other essential supplies include a crate or pet carrier with the animals’ name (in marker or on tape), an extra collar or harness with ID, a flashlight with extra batteries, a muzzle and leather gloves. Pet owners should also plan on traveling with cat litter, a litter pan and scoop or puppy pads, as well as disposal bags, paper towels, trash bags, bleach cloths, dish soap and hand sanitizer.
First aid kits should include latex or nitrile gloves, flea and tick preventatives, vet wrap, antibiotic ointment, saline solution, Tefla pads, cotton bandage material and Povidine-iodine or alcohol.
Armstrong said it’s also important for animal owners to gather identification papers (including microchip numbers), medical and vaccination records, medication records, a photo of the pet (with the owner) and emergency contact lists (including your primary veterinarian and an alternate veterinarian within a 30 to 90-mile radius). One key component in planning for evacuation from an oncoming storm is knowing what boarding facilities or pet-friendly hotels may be available within a 100-mile radius.
Pet-friendly shelters
Armstrong said residents can find valuable resources, including potential pet-friendly shelter options, through the Alabama EMA. The state’s Ready Alabama program also advises residents to call 211 during evacuation to learn which shelters will accept animals.
Horses, cattle and livestock
For the owners of horse and other large animals, evacuation plans should start with preparing trailers (checking tires, brakes, lights, hitch components, gates, ramps) and for the potential that feed and water supplies could be disrupted for one to two weeks in the aftermath of a storm.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has opened livestock shelter locations in Dothan, Troy and Autaugaville, Alabama. If animals cannot be relocated, Armstrong said owners should move them to higher ground in flood-prone areas and not confine animals to stalls. Of equal importance is taking inventory of surrounding areas to minimize threats posed by high winds.
“Now is the time to look around your land, your farm, your ranch,” Armstrong said. “Anything that could be blown by the wind needs to be tied down and secured so it doesn’t hurt an animal or a person.”
Store an adequate supply of hay and feed in a dry, protected location and prioritize clean water since horses, cattle and livestock will each consume five to 15 gallons per day. Have buckets, troughs, hoses and other equipment on stand-by in case normal distribution systems are unavailable.
For horses, owners should place a temporary identification tag or band on the horse containing its name or identification number, the owner’s name and telephone number and an alternate emergency contact. Cattle owners should ensure ear tags, brands, tattoos and other permanent ID are present and legible or use temporary ID methods for animals being evacuated.
Animal owners should also keep copies of important records in a waterproof container and, when possible, on an electronic device that can be accessed if the original records are lost or damaged. Records should include:
- Vaccination and health records
- Coggins certificates for horses
- Proof of ownership
- Registration records, when applicable
- Breeding records
- Medication records
- Animal identification records
- Recent photographs