I have been helping care for animals in disasters for over eight years now, and 9/11 was my first disaster. As a veterinary technician, I help to provide the medical care for the animals who are involved in a disaster.

Being involved in disasters has given me some of my worst moments in life as well as some of my best. I will never forget the pile of mangled and twisted steel at my feet that was once the World Trade Centers. I will never forget watching my tears hit the dusty ground in New York City. But I wouldn’t trade all of my sadness for the world because I also will never forget helping search and rescue dogs feel better so that they could go back to work.

I am now deeply involved in helping animals in disasters. Most recently, I have helped to create a response team within my own state that will help animals affected by disasters. I have spoken on the topic of disaster medicine and published articles. There are many lessons I have learned throughout the years, and I wanted to share just a few with all of you.

1. Never Forget.

This statement is something that we are closely reminded of when the date of 9/11 is visible on our calendars. However, we should also never forget those that have been through other disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the tornadoes in the Midwest and, most recently, Hurricane Gustav. Each disaster has taught us valuable lessons on how to better care for the animals in our country. It is important to honor those that lost so much by making sure we are better prepared.

2. Protect Your Own.

You must ensure your family’s safety and that of your own pets first. You can do so much to help yourself by being prepared before a disaster strikes. Be sure to read my blog article on preparing for your pets in a disaster. Do not assume you will be cared for by your local, state or federal government. Instead become proactive.

3. Take Your Pets With You.

This should be the saying around the country in every community. Do not assume you will be able to get back to your home to get your pet. Despite the tragedy of some recent hurricanes, one good thing did arise. Pets were moved to the forefront of disaster response, and every level of the government is now working on plans for pets in disasters.

4. Help One Another.

The kindness of strangers during a disaster is amazing, but it is a shame that it doesn’t occur all the time. Once you have a disaster plan for your own family and pets, help others to create one of their own. Next week, I’m going to be writing about how you can become involved on a state and local level. Until then, you should know you have more power than you think. Help out one family member or friend, and make them aware that disasters do occur and they must be prepared.

5. Identify Your Animals.

Over 90% of the animals after Hurricane Katrina had no form of identification on them. No tags, no collars, no microchips. It made it very difficult to reunite owners with their pets. Please place a collar and ID tag on your pet. Remember to update the ID tag and microchip information if you move. The safest thing is to microchip AND place an ID tag on your pet.

For more information on protecting pets in disasters:

HSUS.org

ASPCA.org

FEMA.gov

PetFinder.com/disaster

IFAW.org (search keyword: disaster)

PetPlace.com (search keyword: disaster)

For more information on identifying your pet:

AVMA Website

HSUS.org (search keyword: microchip)

Petplace.com (search keyword: microchip/ID tag)

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This entry was posted on Monday, September 15th, 2008 at 8:18 am and is filed under Amy Breton, Pet Health, Pet Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.