Pets may become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented in and after a disaster: keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal. Be prepared for the eventuality of not being able to take a pet with you upon evacuation. It is a very difficult reality to face for a family. However, with proper advanced planning, you can prepare your pet for staging while it waits to be evacuated.
Under most circumstances, if you can get a pet out of country via a commercial airline, it is the best method to ensure that your pet gets taken care of properly. It will cost money, but it will eventually be the best means to take care of it. DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR PET CARRIER UPON ARRIVAL TO IWAKUNI. ALL AIRLINES AND THE LOCAL VETERINARIAN MANDATE THAT ANIMALS HAVE AN AIRLINE APPROVED KENNEL FOR TRAVEL. THROWING IT AWAY PUTS YOUR PET AT A DISADVANTAGE DURING A DISASTER OR EVAUCATION.
Disaster pet kit (for 10 days)
Pack supplies in a pack that your animal can carry in case you need to evacuate. This kit should include:
- Bowl for water and food
- Food/medicine (at least 10 days supply)
- Blanket for bedding
- plastic bags
- Paper towels for disposing of feces
- A favorite toy
- Extra harness and
- Airline approved crate. This is mandatory for staging and eventual shipping of animals.
- Animals under approximately 15-20 lbs. can, in some instances, be carried onto the aircraft.