Pet Supply List

Brevard County Animal Services and Enforcement (BASE) advises all pet owners to include family pets in their disaster planning. Pets need to have an evacuation supply kit just like a family does.
The kit should include:

• Leashes, collars, ID tags (Brevard Animal License Tags should also be on your pet and are required at animal evacuation and pet friendly shelter)

• Immunization certificate (also required) and medical records

• A weeks supply of food and water

• Non-breakable food and water bowls

• Muzzles

• Cat litter and pan, cleanser, disinfectants and trash bags

• Brushes, combs and other grooming supplies as necessary

• Toys and comfort items

• Medical supplies as needed

• An animal carrier or collapsible cage marked with your name and contact information

Seal these supplies in a waterproof container and have it ready before you need it. Keep pets away from plants brought indoors due to storms, some plants can be deadly to animals. Throughout the storm and /or evacuation speak to your pet regularly, reassure your pet in a calm normal voice. Pets should not be left behind to fend for themselves, if it isn’t safe for you it is not safe for them. Plan your evacuation with your pet in mind. Public shelters do not take animals, BASE will activate the Melbourne Greyhound Park as an “animal only” shelter for mandatory evacuees. Others should make plans to shelter in place or take pets with them if they choose to evacuate. The Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelter at the Port St. John Community Center will allow mandatory evacuees to shelter with companion animals. Registration forms and other information on animal evacuation can be found at http://brevardanimalservices.com  or by calling 321-255-4346.

Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

Before The Disaster

• Make sure that your pets are current on Their vaccinations.  Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
   

• Have a current photograph
   

• Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
   

• Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for The animal to stand  and turn around.
   

• Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!  Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a Disaster.

If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.

During The Disaster

• Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:  Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up.
   

• Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure Them and remain calm.
   

• Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis.  Call ahead and determine availability.

After The Disaster

• Walk pets on a leash until They become re-oriented to Their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost.  Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a Disaster.
   

• If pets cannot be found after a Disaster, contact The local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.  Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.

• After a Disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor Their behavior.

Don't forget your pet when preparing a family Disaster plan.

PET Disaster SUPPLY KIT

•Proper identification including immunization records
• Ample supply of food and water
• A carrier or cage
• Medications
• Muzzle, collar and leash

ADDITIONAL LINKS

• The HUMANE SOCIETY Disaster Center
• FEMA - Animals and Emergencies
• Locate PET-FRIENDLY Hotels & Motels