Pet Friendly Hotels

Concept and Background

Emergency management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risks. Pet emergency management is the application of such practices in regards to pet safety. It involves mitigation, preparedness for disasters before they take place, an appropriate response (evacuation, sheltering, etc) as well as recovery efforts.
The catastrophic events of the 2005 hurricane season, and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, fueled intense activity around improving local, state, and national preparedness and response planning for biosecurity and the handling of animals in disasters. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, thousands of pets died, many as a result of poor planning, others because their owners were not allowed to evacuate with them. Because current pet emergency management policies are not all inclusive, it is up to pet owners themselves to create a plan of action.

Mitigation

Personal mitigation is mainly about knowing and avoiding unnecessary risks. This includes an assessment of possible risks to personal/family health and to personal property.
Pet mitigation efforts may include finding the proper placement for a doghouse, so that it is not inundated in the event of heavy rains. It is also helpful to learn about what might harm a pet (poisonous foods, plants and such), dangerous situations such as driving with unrestrained pets, and how to prevent aggressive behavior through training. Pet proofing a home to prevent pets from getting into sharp/breakable objects, medication cabinets, holiday hazards is recommended. Ensure that storage units and garages are locked, that antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, pool cleaner and other dangerous chemicals are properly stored. Without a doubt, pet insurance and microchips are great mitigation tools, as they help lower ownership cost and locate lost pets. Pets should always carry proper ID and tags, and health records should be kept accessible and up-to-date. Balconies should have safe railings, doors and windows should be locked. Finally, emergency numbers to a 24 hour veterinary clinic and the National Animal Poison Control Center should be placed by all phones.
Owners need to know their pets and pet behavior in general to avoid risks. By learning the threats, it is possible to prevent accidents from taking place.

Preparedness

This involves creating a plan for the entire household and practicing putting it into action. The following is a list of important issues to consider:

•Learning human and pet first aid: Basic first aid is invaluable during emergencies. Pet and human first aid classes are available locally through PetTech and the Red Cross.
•Finding a safe evacuation locations along evacuation route: A safe place must be established for the owner and their pets. A large number of shelters (Red Cross included) do not allow pets during emergencies. With this in mind, owners should find "pet friendly" hotels and motels located at a reasonable distance. Also, it’s important to remember that during emergencies many establishments that do not usually welcome pets may temporarily change their policies. The best way to find out is to visit them or contact them by phone or email.
•Purchasing crates and getting pets used to them: Most "pet friendly" establishments require that animals are crated when they arrive, and those that may welcome pets and their owners during an emergency will likely require a crate as well. Furthermore, a crate is a safe place for pets to sleep in, and make transporting easier. Owners may get their pets used to crating by using them during car rides or by having their pets sleep in them when visiting relatives or friends.
•Relying on a neighbor: It is possible that due to a disaster or emergency owners may be unable to return home to care for their pets. During these types of situations it’s helpful to have a neighbor or friend care for their animals. It’s important to ensure that this temporary caretaker is someone who their pet is familiar with, and that they are left with detailed instructions for proper care. Owners may want to consider leaving a signed authorization for veterinary care, as well as financial limits to the procedures.
•Preparing evacuation kits for pets: They should include food, water, medicine, vaccination and health records, a current photo and information about pet insurance if applicable. Ideally, a worn article of clothing belonging to the owner should be included to comfort the pet. They should also feature a pet first aid kit (They are available for purchase online, and veterinarians may advise on what their contents should be) and extra gear such as an extra collar, leash, feeder, etc that might be forgotten or lost during an emergency. Include a flashlight, can opener and duct tape. Purchasing items made from reflective material and labeling them is also a good idea.
•Creating a detailed plan: The plan should be detailed and allow for alternative routes and solutions. It should practiced with the entire family and pets.
•Disaster Preparedness Checklist with a list of important pet care numbers including but not limited to Animal Poison Control Hot-line, Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), Pet Finder, your Vet and an emergency contact

Response during the emergency

•Bring all pets inside immediately.
•If instructed to evacuate owners should make ALL efforts to take their pets with them.
•Have newspapers available for sanitary purposes - also feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
•If applicable, separate different types of animals, even if they normally get along. The anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.
•Implement evacuation or shelter-in-place plan.

Response after the emergency

•After the disaster, leash pets when going outside. Maintain close contact, as pets may be confused due to changes on what used to be familiar landmarks and scents.
•Keep an eye out for snakes or other animals that might have been brought into the area by flood waters. Be aware that wildlife has likely been affected and displaced - Raccoons, gophers, deer and other wild animals might confront pets.
•Monitor pet behavior. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive after an emergency situation. Remember that emergency services might have been interrupted - Be aware that in case of injury it may take days for services to be fully restored and available
•If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture for identification purposes, if available.

Recovery - Lost or Sheltered Pets

There are Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control from the Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters. These are the guidelines shelters should abide by however in time of emergency guidelines may vary depending on the staff/resources and current situation:

1.Animals must be examined, with a focus on hydration status, cuts and abrasions and paw/hoof/foot health. Other important examinations include ear health, oral injuries, vomiting and/or diarrhea, respiratory disease and evidence of parasite infestation.
2.Animals should be bathed upon admission, Dawn dish soap may be used to remove toxic chemicals and petroleum.
3.A health record and history should be established and updated as needed. Owned animals should be marked to avoid mix-ups with abandoned/unidentified animals.
4.Animals should be scanned for microchip information with all available scanners. If ownership of the animal is not established through microchips, it should be checked for tags or tattoos.
5.Animals of different species should not be housed together.

There are many website where you may report a lost pet:
HelpMeFindMYPET.com Findtoto.com - Pets911.com - RoverRespondR.com - PetFinder.com - MissingPet.com

Precautions for Livestock

In addition to the suggestions for pet owners, livestock owners should follow these recommendations:
•Make sure all animals have a durable and visible identification.
•Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch if located in a flood-prone area, as well as access to clean water and food.
•Reinforce barns with hurricane straps and similar measures.
•Remove all barbed wire, and consider rerouting permanent fencing so that animals may move to high ground in case of floods.
•Secure or remove all items that may become debris, fill any large containers or boats with water to prevent them from blowing around.
•Label all hazardous materials and place them in a safe area.

Where to find supplies

Finding emergency supplies for pets is not difficult, but it is a time consuming endeavor. Ready to go solutions are offered by companies such as Wag'N Enterprises, which carry first aid kits tailored for dog or cat owners that are practical. Wag'N also specializes on evacuation kits with supplies for the pet owner. It’s possible to put together an evacuation/first aid pack with the guidance of a first aid book and a veterinarian. In order to better safeguard their pets, owners may consider a pet recovery system, such as Petco's "Bones" or Wag'N "Rover Respond'R (advanced solution).

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