Before Disaster Strikes

Before Disaster Strikes.

Many disasters that respond to there’s a strong push to rescue the people and many times, the pets are left to die. Example in NY City during 911, the police refused pet owners and rescuers to enter the outlying stricken areas to rescue the pets until almost four days after the initial disaster. Many pets were found dead.

Here’s what you can do to help rescuers find your pet alive.
1). ID YOUR PET. See our section on photos, hair samples, DNA, etc.

2). Mark the outside of your home with a sticker that tells firefighters, rescuers how many pets and what kind are in the house. Example 1 dog 2 cats. Sticker in the window closest to the door.

3). Find a neighbor or someone who you trust who knows your pets, and give them a key to your home. Give them specific directions on what to do during a disaster with your Pet(s).

4). If you are going on vacation and leaving your pet behind with a pet sitting service or having someone come check on your pet, always leave emergency vet, and contact information. This information should contain info on how to contact you during your trip,
what the person should know regarding which vet to take your pet to.

What specific medical history does your pet have, and what medications is your pet on.
The nearest family or friend who will take physical custody should you be injured, killed or if a disaster strikes while you are away.

Remember ALWAYS check pet sitter references. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, insured and know how to contact search and rescue should your pet escape.

5). Make up a missing poster of your pet before you leave. With contact #’s of friends, family. Include several different photos of your pet, a reward, contact #, and specific directions to the person in charge of the search. (While you’re gone).

If you travel with your pet you should make up the poster before you leave so if your pet gets lost or is stolen while you are on your trip, this info is ready to print.

DURING A DISASTER NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND FOR ANY REASON.

The American Red Cross will not allow your pet in the emergency shelter. So it’s up to you to take responsibility, pre plan, tent, food, sleeping bag, water, for yourself and your pets. Should include kennels, food, water, first aid supplies for your pet for a minimum of one week. So if a fire, flood, other disaster strikes and you are ordered to leave your home, take your pets with you. It may be days or weeks before a rescue team is in the area to search the homes to find survivors. If you love them, don’t leave them.
I.K.9.S.A.R.S. Harry’s Yahoo 360 blog re SAR.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-aczg0BU5erSlJvtwUKlYqssO

Photos of Harry’s search dog teams in action.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/searchdog/page1/

Before your child comes up missing, identify them. If a child is missing, send us the information. We search for missing children and adults.

Write us at searchdog@iinet.com and we’ll send your our free child id kit.
If you hear of anyone who needs our service for a missing person or lost pet, please feel free to pass on our web site info. www.k9sardog.com
Visit our web site www.k9sardog.com for more information.