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Disaster Preparedness

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Domestic Animals

Do not forget about the family pet when making your family disaster plan. Pet owners should make an evacuation plan, including family pets, and assemble a Pet Disaster Supply Kit. The supplies should be kept in a water-tight container that is easy to carry. The following items should be included in your Pet Disaster Supply Kit:

  • A supply of food and water to last for at least three days. 
  • Important documents such as medical history, rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate if required.
  • Prescription medication
  • Pet toys and bedding
  • A current picture of your pet
  • Cat litter and litter box
  • Leashes
  • Pet carriers

Animals Accepted at the Pet-Friendly Shelters

During a natural disaster, the county will open public shelters and announce which location(s) will be pet friendly. Remember that public shelters should be your shelter of last resort.

The following animals will be accepted at the pet-friendly shelters:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rodents
  • Rabbits
  • Birds

Items to Bring to a Pet-Friendly Shelter

When bringing your pet to a pet-friendly shelter, you will need to get the following:

  • Pet crate large enough to allow your pet to stand at full height and turn around.  Cats need enough room for a litter box, food, and water bowls.
  • Collar and leash
  • Pet food
  • Prescription medications
  • Bedding and toys
  • Important documents

Additional Resources

For more information on including your family pets in your disaster plan, you can visit following webpages:

 

Large Animals

Clay County has no accommodations to assist with housing or evacuation of horses or livestock in the event of a natural disaster.

Horse owners should arrange to have their horses trailered and a location to evacuate with them. When preparing to evacuate with horses, make sure to have the following items/supplies:

  • Important documents such as medical records and Coggins test.
  • Current photograph
  • Halters for each horse with their name, your name, your telephone number, and another emergency phone number.
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Supply of water, hay, and feed for several days.

If evacuation is not an option, livestock owners should be prepared to shelter their livestock in place in the event of a disaster. The following precautions should be made when sheltering in place:

  • Place visible identification on each animal, such as an ear tag or brand.
  • Reinforce barns and outbuildings.
  • Remove any fencing that prevents the animals from getting to high ground.
  • Have an ample enough water supply to last for a week.
  • Identify alternate water and power sources.
  • Secure or remove any objects that could become blowing debris.
  • Have emergency contact information readily available.

Additional Resources

For information on preparing for large animals/livestock during a disaster: