What Do I Do If A Disaster Happens?
The best way to protect your family and pets from the effects of a disaster is to have a plan in place. If you have a potbellied pig that plan must include your pig. If you are prepared you can help save your pig’s life.
Different disasters require different responses. If the disaster is a hurricane, a hazardous spill or an act of terrorism, you may have to evacuate your home. If you must evacuate, the best thing you can do to protect your pig is to bring it with you during the evacuation period. Leaving your pet behind, even if you try to create a safe place for it to stay in your home, is likely to result in your pig being injured, lost, or even worse. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
Because of states' health and safety regulations and other considerations Red Cross disaster shelters and local disaster shelters cannot accept pets. Only service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find a shelter for your pig in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
The best option is for you to contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area, so that you know for sure your pig can stay with you during the evacuation period. Be sure and check their policies on accepting pets and if they have any restrictions on number, size, and species. Should they currently have an existing "no pet" policies, ask if this policy can be waived in an emergency situation.
Should you not be able to find a hotel or motel that will accept your pet pig, prepare a list of pet boarding facilities and veterinarians located near your city that accept potbellies and are prepared to shelter your pig in case of an emergency. Make a note of their 24-hour phone numbers. If you have notice of an impending disaster, such as a hurricane, call ahead for pet reservations at the hotels or boarding facilities.
It is wise to keep your list of "pig friendly" places, including their phone numbers, address and exact location directions with your other disaster information and supplies.
Should you be unable to find a facility that will house your pig in a disaster, another option is to ask your friends or relatives outside the affected area if they would be willing to keep your pet for you. Remember that if you have more than one pet in your home they may feel more comfortable and secure if the pets can be kept together. But, be prepared to house each pet separately, should the need arise.
And finally you can check with your near by animal shelters about their policies regarding emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. But be aware that animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have; as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
If the supply of goods, electricity or the water is interrupted, if a natural disaster, or if a terrorist attack happens you may have to evacuate your home. You will need to assemble essential supplies for your family and pets for at least a three-day period. Keep all your supplies in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily, such as suitcases, duffle bags, covered trash containers or plastic boxes with lids.
Items to include in your emergency supply kit are any medications your pet may be taking, individual medical records or a description of any medical conditions, and the name, phone number and address of your pig’s veterinarian. Also include current pet photos, a feeding schedule, description of any behavior problems, or special instructions pertaining to the care of your pet pig.
Just in case you should become separated from your pet or if it should become lost be sure and include a record of your pig’s tattoo, microchip or tag registration number. Any paper records should be stored in a waterproof container or bag. A First Aid Kit should also be taken with you should you be forced to evacuate. (Refer to Chapter Ten - First Aid Kit). A sturdy leash, harness, and/or carrier for each pet pig will help you to safely transport your pet. By including this equipment you will ensure that your pet cannot escape during travel. Include your pig food, portable water, feeding bowls, poop baggies, paper towels and, if necessary, a litter box. You could include your pig’s bed and some toys if they are easily transportable.
At the first hint of disaster you act to protect your potbellied pig and other pets. Often, warnings of national disaster are issued hours, even days, in advance. Should this be the case you can call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets. Be sure and check that your pet disaster supplies are assembled and ready to be transported. Bring your pig into your house or fenced yard so that you and your pet can move quickly, should you be ordered to evacuate. Make sure your pig is wearing its harnesses. Securely fasten to each pig’s harness all up-to-date identification information, including the phone number and address of your temporary shelter or where you can be found (if you know it), or the phone number and address of a friend or relative outside the disaster area so that you can find your pet should you become separated. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's harness, adding the necessary information with an indelible pen.
Should the worse case scenario happen and a sudden natural disaster or attack by terrorist happen in your community, you may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Planning and preparation will enable you to provide for your pig’s evacuation to safety and at the same time allow you to reconnect with your pet later. As part of your preparation, identify a trusted neighbor or relative who would be willing to get your pig and meet you at a prearranged location, should disaster strike. This person should be comfortable with your pig, know where your potbelly is likely to be while you are away, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss this possibility well in advance.
Remember that all animals react differently under stress. Potbellies can exhibit more stress than other pets. Should you pig become afraid, it might run from you as it tries to escape from the perceived danger. To prevent escape outside your home and in the car always keep your pet pig in its harness, securely leashed or in its travel crate. Do not leave your pet pig unattended in an unsecured area where it could run off. Remember the most trust worthy potbellied pig may panic, run, hide, try to escape, or even bite under stressful conditions.
After being relocated for a period of hours or days, your pig will need time to adjust to when it returns home. To help your potbelly in this adjustment be sure and give your pet pig time to settle back into its old routines. Provide your pig extra family time so that it realizes it is secure again in its own home. This will not only soothe your pig, but will soothe your own psyche. Be sure and consult your breeder or veterinarian if any behavior problems persist or if you notice a change in your pig’s health.
The key elements to every member of your family including your pet pig’s safety during a time of crisis is to plan ahead, be organized, have all your supplies ready in case you need them. If you must evacuate, do not leave your pet pig behind. Evacuate it to a prearranged safe location or facility should it cannot stay with your during the evacuation period. Remember, pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.
If there is a possibility that disaster may strike while you are out of the house, take the necessary precautions to increase your pets' chances of survival by planning and preparing well ahead of time, but remember all your back-up plans are not a substitute for evacuating with your pet potbellied pig.
© Kathleen Myers 2000, All Rights Reserved Worldwide
This is new section to be added to The Complete Guide to the Care and Training of Pet Potbellied Pigs
By Kathleen Myers.
For Ordering Information Go To.
By Kathleen Myers.
For Ordering Information Go To.
