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PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo Life & Death Situation vs Major Inconvenience Training, equipment & attitude can make the difference!

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo Pet Sitter s WORLD July/August 2015 Planning for Natural Disasters A Pet Sitter Roundtable Pages 30-33

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo Stats from Dr. John Leech University of Lancaster

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo https://youtu.be/2yv8o63m5za

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo Pets are part of the family so we want to make sure nothing happens to them! Readiness is your most powerful tool, however I always have something else to add

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo

When Disaster Strikes, are YOU Prepared to help your pets and those of your clients?!

Pet Sitter s WORLD July/August 2015 Pages 18-21

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo

Can you gather all pets into carriers? Do you have enough carriers? Are all pets wearing ID? If kitty escapes, do you have a current photo?

Where are you going to go? Does everyone know where to meet up? Is your gas tank at least ½ full? Do you have emergency money in small bills? What about your pet s medical records, food, litter pans, cleaning supplies, needs for pocket pets, birds and other species? What about supplies for the two-legged family members?

What if you aren t home Do you have designated caregivers that can evacuate your pets? Are YOU your clients designated caregivers? If so, you ll want to make sure they have all the supplies you ll need as you can t possibly have enough for all your clients pets. First responders need to know you are a designated caregiver... Wallet card and Pet Alert Sticker

The Facts 318.86 million humans in the US as of 2014 380+ million pets 11 million in California 1.3 million in NYC 200,000 dogs in Austin (not including homeless) 2.8 million in South Carolina* 68% of all US households have a pet *PetSmart Charities formula (1 dog for every 4 residents/1 cat for every 3 residents)

People lost their lives in Katrina because they were told to leave their animals behind. Tens of thousands of animals became homeless or perished. Since then According to a Zogby International poll, 61% say that would refuse to evacuate without their pets.

You already plan ahead...

Be Prepared works for the Scouts, and it s a motto we should carry into our adult lives.

Although it is difficult to teach someone not to get stressed, being prepared can help lessen panic that sets in when the worst happens.

Hurricane Katrina 2005 New Orleans

7 Years Later Sandy!

2007 & 2009 Orange County Fires

All creatures hooved, furred or feathered!

2014 Midwest Tornadoes

2015 Texas Flooding Austin Pets Alive Animal Shelter

PETS Act (Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act) Requires local and state emergency preparedness operational plans are in place for pets and service animals in the aftermath of a major disaster Signed into law on October 6, 2006

California AB450 (2006) Requires an animal plan be incorporated in to the OA (Operational Area) Emergency Response Plan

Disaster plans need to be flexible, as disasters rarely happen as planned and can change from moment to moment.

GOOD NEWS Of those that have a plan 65% include their pets.

BUT Less than half of American households HAVE an emergency plan! o Those more likely to have an emergency plan: Live in the West: 47% Married: 48% Live in a Rural Area: 53% o Those least likely to have an emergency plan: Live in the East: 40% Single: 36% Live in a Large City: 40%

So what to do?!

Hug a Tree Take a breath, stop, regroup

1. Preparedness (alert sticker, designated caregivers, knowledge & skills) 2. Evacuation Plan 3. Stuff to Stash (PAWparedness Kit)

& DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS Who are they? Do they know who they are? Are you one for your clients? Who else know? Wallet Card by Driver s License Written on Pet Alert Sticker

ATTN: FIRST RESPONDER In case of emergency, please alert: MARKETING IDEA! PAWSitively PURRfect Pet Sitting Service (800) 555-2261 Pets are home alone & need care! 2261 Main Street Happyville, USA

Buddy system This could be YOU PET SITTERS In case you re not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange vet information and file permission slips with the vet authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your animal Make sure your neighbor has house key and willing to take care of your pets Introduce them to your pets prior to the disaster Choose specific location to meet if unable to return home after the disaster. Provide second contact number if designated meeting place is not available.

2. Evacuation Plan - Develop & Practice Make sure everyone knows where to meet and can handle all animals If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with management and are able to evacuate via the stairwell. Keep written directions to your home near your telephone. Keep your gas tank half full at all times.

Designate a Pre-Arranged Meeting Place for your family and identify several places that will accept pets. Most Red Cross Shelters will NOT

List of Important Emergency Contacts Numbers where you may be reached (pager, cell phone, work phone) Your prearranged evacuation site Local contact person in case of emergency when you are not available Out-of-state contact person Your Veterinarian's name, clinic name, and phone numbers Alternate Veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding) Boarding facility (local) Boarding facility (30-90 miles away) Hotels that allow pets (90 mile radius) Local Police & Fire Departments Local Public Health Department (generally house County Vet) Local Animal Shelter and/or Humane Society Local Red Cross chapter List of internet "lost and found" animal sites (i.e. www.petfinders.com)

When the time comes GET OUT QUICKLY

If you are told to evacuate by local officials, leave immediately! Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing. Take your emergency supplies for yourself, family members and pets Follow instructions of public safety officials and use authorized travel routes. Lock home, if possible. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Once you are safe, call your out-of-state contact and tell them where you are.

PLAN - PREPARE PRACTICE Have a written plan posted in your home that everyone has read and participated in writing. Put together a disaster kit that includes the items you need and it easily accessible. Have drills that all family members participate in and know their roles.

3. STUFF TO STASH PAWparedness Kit

First, be prepared for the humans Food, water, meds, clothing/ blankets, documents & stress relievers

Food Store a two-week supply of nonperishable food. Include a selection of the following foods: Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables Canned juices Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) High energy foods Vitamins Food for infants Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit (and know human first aid) Assemble a first aid kit for your home and car: Band-Aids and bandages of various sizes Germicidal hand wipes or alcohol based hand sanitizer Two pair large non-latex gloves Anti-bacterial ointment Cold pack (self activating) Scissors (small personal) Tweezers Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Water Minimums: 2 gallons per person, per-day-that s ½-1 gallon for drinking plus 2-4 more for cleaning/cooking ½ gallon pet day for small dogs; 1 quart for cats 1 gallon per day for medium to large dogs Water purifier or Non-Scented bleach Clear water 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water Cloudy water 16 drops/gallon OR boil for 1-3 minutes OR Iodine & Neutralizing Tablets

Do you know how to make fire without matches?

Light: Flashlight Good, fresh batteries Advise against candles or lanterns, anything with an open flame Always have fire extinguisher available Heat: Have stash of blankets or sleeping bags Chemical hand warmers

Don t forget personal items Toilet paper Toothbrush Toothpaste Feminine supplies Razors, etc.

Children and Elders Kids need special food, diapers and entertainment, take favorite toy. Elders need to have their medications and prescriptions in case you need refills; special food Is there a service animal? Food & supplies Shelter with owner Shelters don t allow pets

Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container or on a flash drive: Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers (photograph valuables for insurance records) Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Pet Vaccination records Photos of all family members including furred, finned, feathered & scaled

A water-proof bag with vaccination & micro-chip records and photos of your pet with ALL family members!

PAWparedness Bag/Crate for pets, Stakes/Tie-outs

Sturdy animal carriers for each pet Practice crate training with your pet(s). A pillow case can be used to evacuate a cat quickly, but must be placed in a carrier as soon as possible. Sturdy leashes, collars, or harnesses Break-away collars prevent the pet from choking Leash Quick Hitch Lead Muzzle Cage muzzle or soft collapsible muzzle are best. A gauze roll can be temporary muzzle. Cat/wildlife gloves

Animal beds and toys Extra blankets Personal clothing with your scent Cage liners Newspapers For cage liners and can be used for splints. Cat litter box, scoopable litter Litter box can be made out of a small cardboard box Non-spill, heavy food and water bowls.

Two weeks supply of food and water 1 gallon water per day for 40-pound dog 1 quart of water per day per cat Rotate food and water every 3-6 months. Pet treats Don t switch brands Grooming items Manual can opener and attach extra spoons

Paper towels Household bleach, cleaners, disinfectants and antibacterial dish soap Plastic bags and scoopers can use a garden spade or child s shovel Plastic garbage bags. Towels, sheets, plastic sheeting/tarps Stakes & tie outs

Where to stow your stash? Cars House or Shed (near outside wall) Office

PSI s 2015 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo Besides STUFF Bone up on your skills! Page 21 in Pet Sitter s WORLD Bleeding Burns Digestive upsets Heatstroke and/or Hypothermia Poisoning Choking Rescue Breathing & CPCR

Several locations in the event supplies are un-retrievable when the ground shakes, the flames rise or the mud slides.

When Disaster Strikes, Your pet is entirely dependent on you! Even if you think you will be gone a few days, take your pets with you. Animals that are turned loose or left behind to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, contaminated food/water or injury.

Bring pets into house at first warning, and confine them so you can leave quickly.

Think: Worst Case Scenario If you think there will be only minor damage or disruption in services, assume that there will be major damage and indefinite loss of local lifelines.

Your pets are not safe alone! Pets become stressed during in-house confinement, so consider crating them for their safety and comfort.

Never leave them behind in a crate or carrier. They will be rendered helpless until you return or someone else reaches them.

After the Disaster

Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, contaminated water, downed power lines, other hazards or dangerous wildlife. Examine your animals closely, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe injuries or signs of illness.

Realize Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and this can confuse your animals. Behavior of pet could change following a disaster due to stress.,normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive, so observe For changes. Pets sense danger as can hide (especially cats). Lost animals could be sick or dangerous, and often pack up.

Release pets indoors only. Outdoors they could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris Food is best in small servings, and keep HYDRATED! Allow uninterrupted rest/sleep for all animals (including HUMANS) to recover from the trauma and stress.

If animals are lost, check with animal control and animal shelters daily (twice daily if possible). Post lost animal notices and notify local animal control, animal shelters, veterinarians, and your neighbors of any lost animals (utilize online resources for lost and found animals, i.e. www.petfinders.com).

Wildfires

Once underway, Wildfires can consume millions of acres and change directions. Plan several escape routes for you and your pets in the event the flames block your path.

Create a fire break around your home by clearing away vegetation, especially dead brush, about 30 feet from all structures.

Monitor your pets for burns and smoke inhalation.

Knowing how to perform rescue breathing could save your dog or cat s life!

NO advanced warning. NO time for last minute precautions.

Never position dog runs, CATios, crates or enclosures underneath objects that could fall during a tremor.

Add a pair of bolt cutters to your disaster kit in case damaged cages or fencing need opening.

Know where to turn off the gas to your house, barn or kennels.

Should an earthquake occur, CONFINE your pets. Pets that escape sometimes return at mealtime, but there are no guarantees!

Be prepared to handle cut and burned paws, know how to splint broken bones and stop bleeding in humans and animals alike.

Floods & Mudslides

It is always better to err on the side of caution and evacuate early. If it is a false alarm, you and your pets have practiced a meaningful drill instead of the real thing.

Never leave any animal behind or certainly don't tie up an animal if flood waters threaten. You can not anticipate how high water may rise, so even birds in cages could perish.

Danger of disease after a flood. Keep pets away from standing water. Have a good fresh supply of water on hand for everyone as even tap water may not be safe if contaminated water has entered the drinking supply.

A good start for your clients Share my Pet Sitter s World article PSI Brochure PAWparedness Lists & Alert Stickers

Links http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/printerfriendly_pets.pdf http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/disaster-preparedness-pet-checklist/ http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/pet-safety http://www.redrover.org/sites/default/files/responders/rr_disaster_checklist_0514.pdf

Preparing for the worst may just prevent the worst from happening!

QUESTIONS?