Evacuation Tips;
Whether it's wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes or floods, severe weather can mean immediate, sudden evacuation. You and your family may be forced to leave your home quickly to get to shelter or higher ground. Sometimes, you may have a few hours notice, and sometimes you may need to move more quickly.
If you live in a disaster-prone area, you may already have an evacuation plan for your family. But have you included your dog in that plan? Many shelters, including the Red Cross, do not accept pets (except service animals).
Here are some tips to prepare for an immediate evacuation.
Plan ahead;
Remember that most emergency shelters do not accept pets. Call hotels in your area and in surrounding states to inquire about their pet policies. Once you've located a few hotels that will accept pets, write down the names, addresses, phone numbers and driving directions. Make sure to include alternate driving directions in case roads are blocked. If you can't find a hotel, ask friends in the surrounding areas if you and your dog(s) can stay with them.
Microchip or Tattoo your dog;
Permanent identification is the best way to ensure a lost dog will be returned to you. Contact AKC Companion Animal Recovery for more information.
AKC/CAR keeps a database of alternate contacts in case you are unreachable. If you plan to stay with out-of-town friends or family during an evacuation, use those names as one of your alternate contacts.
Assemble a disaster supply kit for your dog.
Take this kit with you should you need to evacuate.
Include:
* Leash and collar with ID tags
* Current copy of vaccination records
* Any medication your dog needs and written directions for dispensing medication
* Photocopy of AKC registration papers and a copy of your dog's enrollment papers for AKC/CAR
* Recent photo
* At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water.
Don't forget your dog's dishes!
* Blankets and bedding
* Crate with a few toys
* Plastic "pick-up" bags
Train your dog;
Obedience-trained dogs will respond better to commands and will be easier to handle during a stressful situation such as an emergency evacuation.
Contact your local AKC-affiliated dog club. AKC-affiliated clubs may offer disaster preparedness classes or tips. Some clubs in disaster-prone areas even offer evacuation assistance. Locate an AKC-affiliated club in your area.
If you live in a disaster-prone area, you may already have an evacuation plan for your family. But have you included your dog in that plan? Many shelters, including the Red Cross, do not accept pets (except service animals).
Here are some tips to prepare for an immediate evacuation.
Plan ahead;
Remember that most emergency shelters do not accept pets. Call hotels in your area and in surrounding states to inquire about their pet policies. Once you've located a few hotels that will accept pets, write down the names, addresses, phone numbers and driving directions. Make sure to include alternate driving directions in case roads are blocked. If you can't find a hotel, ask friends in the surrounding areas if you and your dog(s) can stay with them.
Microchip or Tattoo your dog;
Permanent identification is the best way to ensure a lost dog will be returned to you. Contact AKC Companion Animal Recovery for more information.
AKC/CAR keeps a database of alternate contacts in case you are unreachable. If you plan to stay with out-of-town friends or family during an evacuation, use those names as one of your alternate contacts.
Assemble a disaster supply kit for your dog.
Take this kit with you should you need to evacuate.
Include:
* Leash and collar with ID tags
* Current copy of vaccination records
* Any medication your dog needs and written directions for dispensing medication
* Photocopy of AKC registration papers and a copy of your dog's enrollment papers for AKC/CAR
* Recent photo
* At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water.
Don't forget your dog's dishes!
* Blankets and bedding
* Crate with a few toys
* Plastic "pick-up" bags
Train your dog;
Obedience-trained dogs will respond better to commands and will be easier to handle during a stressful situation such as an emergency evacuation.
Contact your local AKC-affiliated dog club. AKC-affiliated clubs may offer disaster preparedness classes or tips. Some clubs in disaster-prone areas even offer evacuation assistance. Locate an AKC-affiliated club in your area.