• Behavioral Issues
• Child Care
• Cleaning Up After a Storm
• Communication
• Deciding To Stay Or Go
• Evacuation Shelters
• First Aid & Medical
• Flood Center
• Food and Water
• Help the Relief Effort
• Insurance Center
• Lighting & Power
• Pet Care
• Preparing Your Home
• Special Needs
• Storms Explained

Protecting Your Animals After the Storm

Planning and preparation will help you and your animals survive the disaster, but your home and community may be very different places after a major storm. Animals can be easily confused by these changes, so make sure to take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.

 

When You Return Home

• Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.
• While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.
• Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards.
  
• Examine your animals closely, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe injuries or signs of illness.
  
• Release equine/livestock in safe and enclosed areas only. Initial release should take place during daylight hours, when the animals can be closely observed.
  
• In the initial post-disaster period, release cats, dogs, and other small animals indoors only. They could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris if they are allowed outside unsupervised and unrestrained.
  
• Release birds and reptiles only if necessary and only when they are calm and in an enclosed room.
  
• Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions if animals have been without food for a prolonged period of time.
  
• Allow uninterrupted rest/sleep for all animals to recover from the trauma and stress.
• Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.