Animal Care in Emergencies

Preparing for an EmergencyCreating an emergency plan that includes your pets is a safe and effective way of ensuring you will be ready when an emergency strikes. Don’t leave your pets behind!

• Familiarize yourself with each type of disaster that could affect your area.
• Identify other sources for food and water.
• Keep all vehicles well maintained and full of fuel, in case of evacuation.
• Have cash on hand, in case of an emergency.
• Have a back-up generator for food/animal production operations.
• Place stickers on doors to notify first responders that there are pets and/or farm animals on the premises.
• Know that evacuation/reception centres may or may not be equipped to accommodate animals.

Your emergency plan should include: 

• Primary and alternative meeting point away from your home;
• An evacuation plan;
• List of contact numbers, including your pet’s veterinarian;
• Prior arrangements made with family and friends to take care of your animal.

If evacuation is necessary:

• A list of “pet-friendly” hotels and motels with phone numbers included;
• A back-up plan if you cannot take care of your animals;
• A family 72-hour emergency kit, including pet supplies.

Emergency Kit – Pets Checklist

• What you should include in a transportable bag or duffel bag:
• Minimum 3-day supply of bottled water and sealed pet food;
• Portable water and food bowls;
• Paper towels and can openers;
• Medication and veterinarian contact information;
• Leash and/or harness, or muzzle if appropriate;
• Blanket and favourite toy;
• Plastic bags;
• Up-to-date ID tag and a current photo of animal, in case they get lost or separated from you, the owner;
• Copy of license (if required);
• Litter pan, litter, and scooper;
• Pet carrier for transportation;
• Pet first aid kit;
• Information on pet’s feeding schedule, behavioural/medical concerns and any other special instructions in case you have to take your pet to a shelter or kennel;
• List of shelters, hotels and motels that allow pets;
• Heat source for exotic animals.
• Check the kit twice a year to ensure freshness of food and water, and to restock any supplies you have used.
• For quick and easy access during an emergency, keep your emergency kits close to the front door of your home.

Emergency Kit – Livestock Checklist

Talk to your veterinarian when developing your emergency kit to ensure you have all the supplies you may need to care for your animals.

• 3-7 day supply of food and water;
• Blindfolds (towel, bandana);
• Batteries (flashlight, radio);
• Blankets;
• Copies of important records and proof of ownership;
• Emergency contact list;
• Gloves;
• Tools for maintaining and cleaning hooves;
• Record instructions for proper feeding routines and any medicines that may need to be administered;
• Map of local area and evacuation site;
• Halters and leads or rope with ID attached;
• Paper towels;
• Bags and supplies for clean up;
• Water buckets;
• Wire cutters;
• Antibiotics;
• Animal first aid kit.

Biosecurity Basics - Livestock

• Use signage, barriers, sanitation, and clothing practices to prevent disease.
• Contact the veterinarian to help detect and control disease risk to animals.
• Know the health of new stock; isolate new and sick animals.
• Obey all import procedures for animals and agricultural products. 

For more information

Manager, Emergency Preparedness
50 King Street, London, ON., N6A 5L7
Tel: 519-663-5317 x2371 Fax: 519-663-9413
Email: emergency@mlhu.on.ca