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Evacuating Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Other Small Pets

Identification, medical records, and proof of ownership are equally important for small pets and large ones. Transportation of smaller-sized species may require additional attention and care in order to decrease chances of stress-induced illness and death. It is important to keep pets from different sources as separate as possible and maintain the best possible hygiene in order to decrease disease.

 

Evacuating Birds

• Transportation of pet birds is best accomplished using small, secure, covered carriers to avoid injury.
  
• If traveling in cold weather, always warm the interior of your vehicle before moving your bird(s) from the house to the vehicle.
  
• Transfer your bird(s) to a standard cage upon arrival at the evacuation site; covering the cage may reduce stress; this transfer should occur in a small, enclosed room to reduce the risk of escape.
  
• Birds should be kept in quiet areas and not allowed out of the cage in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Fresh food and water should be provided daily.
  
• If your bird appears ill, be sure to lower the cage perch, food dish, and water bowl and consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
• In addition to the pertinent items listed under small pet evacuation kit, include:
  
  • necessary dietary supplements
    
  • plant mister for cooling birds in hot weather
    
  • hot water bottle for warming birds in cold weather
    
  • materials to line the bottom of the cage
    
  • cage perch
    
  • toys

 

Evacuating Reptiles

• Transportation of small reptiles can be accomplished using a pillowcase, cloth sack, or small transport carrier.
  
• If possible, promote defecation before transporting the animal (for example, allow tortoises, lizards, or snakes to soak in a shallow water bath before bagging or caging).
  
• Transfer your pet to a secure cage at the evacuation site as soon as possible and if appropriate.
  
• In addition to the pertinent items listed under small pet evacuation kit, include:
  
  • essential dietary supplements
    
  • water bowl for soaking
    
  • spray bottle for misting
    
  • extra bags or newspapers
    
  • heating pad
    
  • battery-operated heating source or other appropriate heat source
    
  • extra batteries
    
  • appropriate handling gloves/supplies
    
• Since most reptiles do not eat daily, feeding during evacuation circumstances may increase stress. Determine if feeding is in the animal's best interest, especially if the container may become fouled.
  
• Housing at the evacuation facility should be consistent with that required by the reptile. The enclosure should, if possible, be placed in a controlled environment, away from areas of heavy traffic, loud noises, and vibrations.
  
• Make sure that the container housing the reptile is escape proof. Nonetheless, plan for escapes.

 

Evacuating Amphibians

• Transportation of amphibians can be accomplished by using watertight plastic bags, such as the ones used for pet fish transport, or plastic containers, such as plastic shoeboxes or plastic food containers with snap-on lids.
• It is best to place only one species, or if possible, only one animal per container.
  
• Small ventilation holes should be placed in the upper wall or plastic lid. Smooth the inner surface of the holes with a file or sandpaper to prevent injury to the animal.
  
• For terrestrial or semi aquatic amphibians use a tiny amount of water, or moistened paper towels, clean foam rubber, or moss as a suitable substrate.
• Bring along any needed supplies, including the pertinent items listed in the small pet evacuation kit.
  
• For aquatic species, fill the plastic bag one third full of water, then inflate the bag with fresh air and close with a knot or rubber band. It is best to use clean water from the animal's enclosure to minimize physiologic stress.
  
• Care must be taken to monitor water and air temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrition during the time that the animal will be in the evacuation facility.
  
• Housing at the evacuation facility should be consistent with that required by the amphibian.
  The enclosure should, if possible, be placed in a controlled environment, away from areas of heavy traffic, loud noises, and vibrations.
  
• Make sure that the container housing the amphibian is escape proof. Nonetheless, plan for escapes.
  
• Take an extra container of water, clean moist paper towels, or clean moss as is appropriate in case any of your pet's containers break or leak.
  
• Feeding during evacuation circumstances may increase stress so it may not be in the animal's best interests to supply food, especially if the water may become fouled.

 

Evacuating Other Small Animals

• Transportation of most small mammals (ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, etc.) is best accomplished using a secure, covered carrier or cage to reduce stress.
• In addition to the pertinent items listed under small pet evacuation kit, include:
  
  • necessary dietary supplements
  • extra bedding materials
    
  • appropriate exercise equipment