Include Pets in Disaster Plans

People and pets go together -- even in disasters.

"If people evacuate, that means there is a threat. If it is a threat to people, it's a threat to pets, too," said Laura Bevan, director of the Southeast Regional Office of The Humane Society of the United States.

Bevan addressed a recent seminar in Orange Park about sheltering animals before, during and after disasters. About 63 people from as far away as Orlando and Tampa attended the seminar, which was hosted by the Clay County Humane Society.

"In light of the animal issues with Hurricane Katrina, the . . . Humane Society felt it was imperative to host a disaster animal training seminar in our area. We were pleased with the high attendance and the genuine concern shown within the animal community," said Linda Welzant, executive director of the Clay nonprofit organization.

People who attended the three-day conference will be certified to assist in disaster relief for animals. After Katrina, Welzant was among many Humane Society volunteers to travel to the hurricane-ravaged area to help the national Humane Society care for pets.

Though Florida is noted for hurricanes, Bevan noted that such disaster relief teams also respond to wildfires, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes. No matter what the situation, pets must be part of their owners' disaster plans, she and Welzant said.

"We encourage everyone to make provisions in case of a disaster. Have a plan in place for you and your family members, including the four-legged ones," Welzant said.

Bevan was specific: "Have a plan that includes a place to take your pets."

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 taught the national Humane Society a big lesson, she said. "With Andrew, no one had ever done it [pet shelters] on such a large scale. Many residents left the area, assuming their pets were dead."

But they were mistaken. Pets disoriented by the storm wandered the streets and huddled in any place they could find cover. And finding a place to house them temporarily was an undertaking.

"There was no system for dealing with animals," Bevan said. "The old message was 'Take your pets with you.' But where do they go?"

Pet owners must think seriously about the safety of the hotel, motel, veterinarian, kennel or other shelter where they plan to keep the animal during the crisis. "Think it through," she said.

Emergency shelters that allow animals and people to stay together are urgently needed, Bevan said.

Some people don't want to separate from their pets and may stay in a dangerous environment instead of evacuating. Others cannot find a place for their pet or afford the costs.

Marion and Volusia counties have pet-friendly shelters, as does Jacksonville. That shelter is open for Jacksonville residents only and they must pre-register for a spot.

Welzant said she hoped for such a shelter in Clay "in the future."

Among those attending the seminar was Joyce Bryan, a nurse who lives in Middleburg but is active in the new People for Animal Welfare and Safety in Starke.

"For me, the conference was good at an introductory level," said Bryan. "As a nurse, I've always been interested in disaster relief, especially with older persons and pets . . . That's the primary reason I signed up."

deborah.cearnal@jacksonville.com, (904) 278-9487, ext. 6371

EVACUATION TIPS

Have ID tags with up-to-date contact information for all pets, along with leashes or carriers. If your pet has medical or behavioral problems, tape that information to the carrier or leash.

A waterproof evacuation kit for pets should include three to seven days' worth of food, bottled water, paper towels and garbage bags for cleanups, and recent photos of the pets.

Place an emergency "Pets Inside" sticker on your front and back doors listing the number and kinds of pets, so others can evacuate them in your absence.