Tips to make evacuating with your dog or cat a breeze.

By Kathy Covey

The Humane Society of the United States urges all pet owners to evacuate with their pets when a disaster strikes. Many times, pet owners and their pets are caught in the traffic congestion caused when an evacuation notice is given.

The scenario: your car is loaded up with evacuation supplies, your family and your family pets. You leave when the evacuation notice is given and now find yourself stuck in the endless line of cars heading out of the area to safety.

 The Humane Society of the United States offers this advice to help you and your pets weather the traffic jam:

1. Always evacuate early with your family and pets to avoid any stress from the long line of traffic. You will reach your animal-friendly destination more quickly.
2. Determine where you will go before evacuations are ordered. Find animal-friendly destinations where you can stay with your pet until it's safe to return home.
3. Get your pets used to longer car rides during non-disaster times. Take them on frequent trips to the park or to grandma's house. Don't let the evacuation trip be your pet's first car ride.
4. Do not leave your pets in the car unattended. In the summer, it takes just a few minutes for the inside temperature of a parked vehicle to become deadly.
5. For cats, use the largest pet crate that will fit into your vehicle—this will provide your cat with plenty of room to sleep and use the litter box. Keep the crate securely shut at all times so your cat remains safely inside. When possible, use separate crates for each animal needing this sort of containment. Wire crates, as opposed to the more well-used airline travel crates, provide better air circulation.
6. Avoid feeding your pets on the day of the evacuation to prevent upset stomachs and accidents. Provide plenty of food and water once you reach your destination. However, prevent dehydration by offering your pet small amounts of water throughout the trip.
7. Keep visible identification on your pets at all times. Include your cell phone number on your pets' ID tag. Have an "evacuation" collar that includes an ID tag with an out-of-town emergency contact number. Remember, during an evacuation, nobody will be able to answer your home telephone.
8. Use the air conditioner rather than rolling down your vehicle's widows. Keeping your vehicle cool inside will help stressed pets avoid over-heating and will remove the excess moisture caused from pet's panting. And this will ensure your pets are securely kept inside your vehicle. You can also use small battery operated fans attached to crate doors to keep the air circulating.
9. Keep your vehicle gassed up and stocked with your emergency supplies so you are able to leave at a moment's notice. This means extra water and coolant too.
10. Take frequent breaks to walk your dog on a leash. Before opening the car door, make sure the leash is secured to your dog's collar and that you have a key to your car to prevent accidental lock outs. Avoid the hot pavement and seek out grass or natural areas. Be sure to have extra bags for waste
11. Try to stay as calm as you possibly can to ease the stress felt by your pets.

Posted: July 17, 2007