While Preparing for a Natural Disaster, Don't Forget Your Pets!

Based on a nationally-recognized formula to determine the number of household pets in a community, the Town of Stratford is estimated to have over 13,000 dogs and over 14,000 cats. And we can not even begin to guess the number of exotic pets that are out there.

That's a lot of pets.

While the Town of Stratford does have emergency operating plans in place for animal disaster response, the best thing for a pet owner to do is be well-prepared to deal with their pets in advance.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Prepare an emergency disaster kit for your pets: In an easy to tote plastic container you should store items such as a copy of all veterinary records, a picture of your pet, a few days worth of pet food, bowls, bottled water, pet medications, a pet first-aid kit, disposable litter pan, pet comfort items such as a blanket or toy, extra collar/harness and leash, and all your contact information including emergency contact people.
2. Make sure your pets are wearing collars/harnesses that have tags attached with their identification and current owner contact information.
3. Get all you pets microchipped. Microchipping is a form of permanent identification. A small chip the size of a grain of rice is inserted under the pets skin in between the shoulder blades. It is a simple procedure. Animal shelters and veterinarians all have scanners that can read the chips that will identify the owners. In the event of a disaster, pets can get displaced and this would ensure that your pets will be returned to you. Stratford Animal Control offers discount pet microchipping at just $20 per pet. Call 203-385-4068 to schedule an appointment.
4. Make sure you have pet carriers or containers for each of your pets and that they are tagged with the pets name and your contact information.
5. Make a plan in advance. Find out which motel/hotels in the area and surrounding communities can accommodate pets. Make arrangements with friends and relatives that live outside the area so that you can go there with your pets in the event of an emergency.
6. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close. If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet.

"It is crucial that residents are prepared to take pets with them if asked to evacuate in the face of this potentially destructive storm," advised Laura Bevan, The Humane Society of the United States Eastern Regional Director. "If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets."

Ideally, you should evacuate with your pets. Having a well laid out plan will enable you to do this without much trouble. If you have to leave your pets the FEMA website recommends:

"If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside -- NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet."

The key to surviving a natural disaster with your pets is to be well-prepared. Please visit the following websites for further advice:

ASPCA

FEMA

HSUS

Ready America

There are also opportunities to get involved in pet disaster preparedness on a larger level. To facilitate a prompt, effective response to any animal emergency in our region the Region 1 Animal Emergency Planning Team is currently looking to recruit members to volunteer on the Connecticut State Animal Response Team in Region 1, which consists of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stratford, Stamford, Trumbull, Westport, Weston and Wilton. Interested parties should visit this website:

CTSART Region 1

Now go get prepared and stay safe!