PROTECT YOUR PET

Protecting Your Pet There are a couple good ways to make sure that if you lose your pet, that it gets home quickly and safely to you, as well as taking the time beforehand to prepare a kit and plan for your pet in case of an emergency.

Licenses

ALL dogs residing in Tillamook County are REQUIRED to be licensed and are under the jurisdiction of ordinance 64. In Tillamook County only the Cities of Tillamook and Bay City license pets themselves. All other areas in the County are licensed through the Tillamook County Clerk. All applications for licenses must include a rabies certificate from your vet stating that your dog has had their current rabies shot. Fees all vary based upon spay/neuter, senior citizens' pets, replacement tags. For more information you may contact:

Tillamook County Clerk's Office ... 503-842-3402
City of Tillamook ......................... 503-842-4861
Bay City's City Hall ...................... 503-377-2288

Microchip

Microchipping your pet, be it dog, cat or other small animal like a ferret, is a great way to make sure your pet is easily identified. A simple chip is inserted under the skin and provides permanent pet identification. Even if your pet loses its collar and id tags, with a microchip all it takes is a simple scan to get your pet's ID number and a quick call to find out where it belongs.

Emergency Pet Preparedness

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

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Step 1 - Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes:

• The types and number of pets in your household.
• The name of your veterinarian and  your veterinarian's phone number.
• If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.
• Order the Free Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA.

Step 2 - Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

• Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
• Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
• Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
• Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

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Step 3 - Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

• Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA store to buy one online).
• 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months).
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect).
• Litter or paper toweling.
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant.
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up.
• Pet feeding dishes.
• Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security).
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless).
• Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months).
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Flashlight.
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet).
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters).

Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter

Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

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Step 4 - Choose “Designated Caregivers”

This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.

When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet. Read more information here about pet trust.

Step 5 - Evacuation Preparation

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

• Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.
• The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
• Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

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Step 6 - Geographic and Climatic Considerations

Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.

• Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
• Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones.
• Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.
• In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
• If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.

Special Considerations for Birds

• Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
• In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
• In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird's feathers.
• Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.
• If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.
• Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
• It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.
• Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.

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Special Considerations for Reptiles

• A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.
• Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming device, such as a hot water bottle.
• Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).

Special Considerations for Small Animals

• Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.
• Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hide-box or tube, a week's worth of bedding.

Free Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA

Visit the ASPCA website to order the Free Pet Safety Pack.

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