At Home Pet Sitting San Francisco

Your Subtitle text
In the face of a disaster, being prepared can save lives
 
Disasters
This is something that a lot of people do not want to think of. However San Francisco is prime earthquake country and we never know when another serious earthquake is going to strike. Preparing can save lives. We need to prepare not only for our family, we also need to prepare ahead for our pets. If you are like me, you also consider your pets a part of your family.
 
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, tens of thousands of pets were separated from their owners. Some of the pets were left on their own for weeks. By the time some of them were rescued , many were dehydrated, starving and/or injured. The Humane Society of the United States received 45,000 calls from desperate pet owners looking for their pets. This is a far greater number than how many animals were rescued. Also, there is still a number of pets who never were reunited with their owners.
 
Nobody wants anything like this to happen again. Even though we are not in any danger of a hurricane happening in San Francisco, we still in danger of earthquakes which can be devastating. So we need to prepare now. In the event of an emergency, a well-practiced disaster program will not only reduce stress, but will also save precious time -- and possibly lives. So Animal Care and Control and the SF/SPCA have come up with the following disaster plan.
 
Before Disaster Strikes Identify Your Pet
  • Keep your pet's license current.
  • Make sure that collar and identification tags are worn at all times.
  • Consider having a safe, permanent microchip implanted in your pet. This type of ID cannot fall off or be removed. Most veterinarians offer microchipping services to their customers.
Crate Train Your Pet
  • Train your pet to enter his/her carrier or crate at your command. Try putting your pet's favorite treat in his/her carrier and sounding a bell at the same time. Repeat this process every day, until your pet comes running at the sound of the bell. Continue this routine often enough to keep it fresh in your pet's mind. This training will be extremely helpful when locating a frightened animal.
  • Also important -- make sure your pet is comfortable being handled.
Prepare a First Aid Kit -- Include:
  • large and small bandages
  • scissors
  • tweezers
  • cotton swabs
  • antibiotic ointment
  • hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting or clean deep wounds
  • elastic tape
  • eye wash (saline)
  • ear-cleaning solutions
  • K-Y Jelly (water soluble)
  • any special medications prescribed by your veterinarian
Secure Bird Cages and Aquariums

Because these items may move and/or break during a disaster; securing them on low stands or tables is advisable. Tighten the latch on your birdcage so that the door cannot be shaken open easily.

Develop a Neighborhood Plan
  • Get to know your neighbors and their pets.
  • Keep an updated list of their home and work phone numbers (remember to update these frequently).
  • Select a neighborhood coordinator who will be ready to assist should a disaster occur when you are not at home. Make sure this person spends much of their time at home, or that they work within walking distance of your neighborhood.
  • Select one or two backup coordinators in case the primary person is not available.
If Your Pet Is Lost
  • Immediately call or visit the nearest animal shelter to report your missing pet.
  • When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to post or distribute “Lost Pet” posters. Be sure to include your name, home address and home and work phone numbers. It’s always helpful to include a current photograph of your pet.
  • Continue to search the area for your missing pet. A frightened animal can stay hidden for days.
  • Call neighbors and service workers, such as mail carriers, police, firefighters and PG&E workers for leads.
If You Find a Lost Pet

Notify your local animal shelter as soon as possible. Be prepared to give a full description of the animal. Include breed, color, and sex and the location where the animal was found. Remember that sick and/or injured animals can become unpredictable from fear and pain, and should be handled only by professionals with proper equipment.

In Case of Evacuation
  • Red Cross shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of back up arrangements, such as homes of friends and family, hotels that allow pets, boarding facilities, veterinarians and/or shelters.
  • It is generally not recommended that you leave your pet behind during an evacuation. If you must, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety.
    • Post a highly visible sign in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind.
    • Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.
    • Leave plenty of food in timed feeders (check local pet supply stores). These will prevent your pet from overeating.
    • Do not tie or cage your pet! The chances for survival are greater if he/she can escape easily.
Pet Disaster Kit

A prepared disaster kit, kept in a safe and easily accessible place, will enable you to provide immediate care to your pet in an emergency. A calm, well-trained pet, who is either on leash, or in a carrier, will be more welcome wherever you go.

Items to Include:

  • Sturdy crate and/or pet carrier
  • Identification tag and collar
  • Leash
  • Food and water - a 7-day supply for each pet
  • Non-spill bowls
  • Litter box and litter
  • Any special medications
  • Manual can opener and plastic lid
  • Pet’s vaccination history
  • Recent photos of each pet
  • Pet First-Aid book
  • Pet First-Aid kit
  • Phone number of a local emergency veterinary hospital
  • Phone number of your local animal shelter
  • Long-term confinement equipment: chains, cable-runs, tie out stakes, portable caging
  • Large plastic bags for pet cleanup
  • Emergency phone numbers
Copyright . At Home Pet Sitting San Francisco. All rights reserved.