Domestic Pets
Owners are responsible for the care of their personal pets, companion animals and recreational livestock during emergencies. In addition to building an emergency kit for your "human family", have supplies and transportation ready for your animals. You are also responsible for emergency accommodations for your animals if you have to evacuate from your home.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
- food and water (seven day supply)
- ID tag and collar
- crate and/or carrier
- pet first-aid kit
- leash and harness
- collapsible bowls
- litter box and litter (for cats)
- manual can opener
- recent photos of your pet
- copy of vaccination history
- emergency phone numbers and addresses
During a Disaster
Try to take your pet with you when evacuating, but if this is NOT possible, help ensure your pet’s safety:
- post a highly visible window sign letting rescue workers know pets (including a description of each) were left behind
- leave plenty of water in a large tip-proof container inside and outside your home, and dry food in timed feeders to prevent them from eating a week’s worth of food in one day
- do not tether or cage pets as their chances for survival are greater if they can easily escape
Finding Lost Pets Following a Disaster
- immediately check in with local animal shelters to report your pet missing as they may have already rescued your pet
- return to your neighbourhood when it's safe and search for your pet and distribute “lost pet” posters
- ask neighbours, letter and newspaper carriers, joggers and others to look out for your pet
- don’t give up as lost pets can turn up months after they have gone missing
Special Considerations for Livestock & Farm Animals
The Province of BC has policies in place to provide support to commercial livestock producers. If necessary, the Regional District Emergency Program may provide assistance to relocate commercial livestock during evacuation alerts.
The Regional District has also compiled a reference guide for emergency commercial livestock relocation.
