Animal Emergency Response and Plans

Introduction

Whether small or large, animals are our companions, our helpers, and in the case of farming, play a valuable role in the agricultural economy of the community. Even though some emergency management coordinators have included animals as an annex in their local emergency plan, Hurricane Katrina has taught us that animals must be considered in every emergency response plan. Families and agricultural producers should make plans now to protect their animals

Companion animals and servant animals (leader dogs, etc) are often looked upon as a member of the family. This is confirmed in studies showing that up to 60 percent of pet owners may not evacuate unless they can take their pet along. A study of California flood evacuees showed that cat owners are more likely to stay behind with their pet than are dog owners, especially if no cat-carrier is available. When planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider how they would transport their companion animals if the order to evacuate was issued. Pets also should have identifying tags such as a dog or cat license, or microchips embedded in the skin. This will be important for re-uniting the owner and the pet, should the companion animal become lost, or be placed in a pet shelter. If sheltering in place, sufficient food, water and medical provisions should be considered just as they are with human emergency kits

Large companion animals such as horses and farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and cervids (deer and elk) present a more difficult challenge. In a disaster, decisions must be considered ahead of time on whether it is best to shelter in place, or evacuate the animals to a new location. While it is usually easier to shelter the animals in place through temporary fencing and facilities, evacuation may be necessary. This may mean transport by licensed livestock haulers, however because many large animals have never been loaded on to a trailer, it can be a frightening and stressful experience.

Exotic animals such as reptiles, hedgehogs, ferrets, turtles, hamsters, ostriches, llamas, and other species offer an even greater challenge. They may require special feed, cages and pens, and transportation. Planning for exotics, just like other companion animals and farm animals should not be left until the disaster occurs.

Information is provided below for farmers, homeowners, and emergency personnel, through links to credible sources of information.

Animal Emergency Response and Plans Template

To assist local emergency coordinators in providing an emergency plan for animals in their jurisdiction, Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Office of the State Veterinarian worked jointly to draft this animal emergency plan template.

This template considers all pets including general pets and exotics, servant animals such as leader dogs, equine (horses) and agricultural animals such as farm livestock and exotics. The plan may be used as a stand-alone plan or excerpts may be used to develop/enhance an “annex” to the overall emergency plan in the county.

The template was reviewed during its development by several county emergency management coordinators and is supported by the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers, and the Michigan Humane Society.

For more information about the template or how it may dovetail with county emergency plans, contact:

To review, download or print a copy of the Spartan County Animal Emergency Response Plan template, please click here.

Spartan County Animal Emergency Response Plan Template (version 1.39)

Important changes to the Plan:

    Version 1.2:

  • Recommendations for sheltering large animals in place, if possible:
      • -Section 4.4.2
      -Section 7.0 Appendix A
      -Section 7.0 Appendix C

  • Changes in water treatment formula for large animals:

      • -Section 7.0 Appendix F

    Version 1.3:

  • Changes the logo on the template:
      • -Title page

  • Change to County Animal Response Team (CART) terminology:

      • -Table of Contents and Thoughout Template

  • Refernce in Scope on animal disease:

      • -Section 1.2

  • Addition of American Red Cross to County Animal Response Team:

      • -Section 2.1
      -Section 6.1
      -Section 7.0 Appendix J

  • Additional duties for MDNR regarding cervid animals:

      • -Section 2.2

  • Additional PETS Act to Legal Considerations:

      • -Section 3.1

  • Consideration regarding public transportation during evacuation:

      • -Section 4.4.2

Links