This advice is very timely - especially after the heavy snows - next will be floods. Make certain your pets/animals/birds have a plan.
I couldn't have put it better than the American SPCA does. This advice could save your pet!
Thanks to the aspca.org
Disaster 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.
Step 1 Get a Rescue Alert StickerThis 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 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.
To get a free emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out our online order form; please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.
Step 2 Arrange a Safe HavenArrange 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 not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, 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.
Step 3 Emergency Supplies and Traveling KitsKeep 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.
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.
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.
Step 6 Geographic and Climatic ConsiderationsDo 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.
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 hidebox or tube, a week's worth of bedding.
Thanks again to the American SPCA for these guidelines and advice.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Monday, 8 February 2010
Cruelty or neglect?
Today I met an RSPCA inspector and had a conversation with her about a neighbour who keeps a pet Lab in their garage. My question to her was "Is this cruelty?'
She said that animals need light and as long as they have a warm bed and are protected from the elements it is not cruelty. However, it does sound like neglect.
She went on to say that I could make a call to the RSPCA and ask to have the dog checked by an Inspector. Apparently you can call them and not give your name or address - they will treat the call as confidential so that there will be no recourse. The RSPCA would rather check on an animal than leave it to suffer because no one wants to get involved.
I was concerned about reporting the incident because this family are the local drunks and I certainly don't want them to come around my house.
What a good job the RSPCA does.
She said that animals need light and as long as they have a warm bed and are protected from the elements it is not cruelty. However, it does sound like neglect.
She went on to say that I could make a call to the RSPCA and ask to have the dog checked by an Inspector. Apparently you can call them and not give your name or address - they will treat the call as confidential so that there will be no recourse. The RSPCA would rather check on an animal than leave it to suffer because no one wants to get involved.
I was concerned about reporting the incident because this family are the local drunks and I certainly don't want them to come around my house.
What a good job the RSPCA does.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Fat balls for wild birds
Just spotted a bargin at my local Hiller's Garden Centre in Hedge End. They are offering 50 small fat balls, a bird safe plastic container to put 4 balls into and a big plastic container to keep the rats and mice from getting the fat balls for £9.99 - the bird safe container is £2.45 and the big plastic container another £2.50 making the balls 15p.
I think this is a good deal. And so do the wild birds eating them!
Groundhog Day has said that there is going to be another 6 weeks of winter! Oh joy!
I think this is a good deal. And so do the wild birds eating them!
Groundhog Day has said that there is going to be another 6 weeks of winter! Oh joy!
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
What will happen to your pet when you die?
It is never too early to think about what will happen to your pet when you die. The ASPCA provide a very good guide as illustrated below: Definitely worth taking note.
Pet Trust Primer
By Kim Bressant-Kibwe, Esq.
Those of us who think of our pets as family members are quickly learning that one of our responsibilities is to ensure that they are cared for long after we become incapable of doing so. One way to fulfill this responsibility is to set up something called a pet trust. Here are some basic definitions and guidelines that will help you to decide whether or not a pet trust will work for you:
What is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legally sanctioned arrangement that provides for the care and maintenance of one or more pets in the event of their owner’s disability or death. The person who creates the trust is commonly referred to as the ‘settlor’. The person who is entrusted with the funds is called the ‘trustee’. A trust can take effect either during a person’s lifetime or after their death. Typically, a trustee will hold property (cash, for example) “in trust” for the settlor’s pet or pets. When the time comes, the trustee will make payments on a regular basis to a designated caregiver. In some states, the trust may continue for the rest of the animal’s life or for 21 years, whichever comes first. Other states allow a pet trust to continue for the rest of the animal’s life without regard to the 21-year limitation. This is especially advantageous when planning for companion animals such as horses and parrots, who have longer life expectancies than cats and dogs.
How to Proceed?
Since there are several states in which a pet trust is not valid, and other states where enforcement is discretionary, it is advisable to set up a trust with the help of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. If a pet trust law does not exist in your state, contact your state representatives and ask why. It may be that the subject just never came up! See our Pet Trust State Law Chart for a full list of states with a pet trust law.
Why a Pet Trust?
Because most trusts are enforceable by law, pet owners will have peace of mind knowing their pets will be cared for according to their instructions. The directions left in a trust can, and should, be very specific. If your cat only likes a particular brand of food, your dog looks forward to daily romps in the park or if your pet should visit the veterinarian three times a year, you can specify this in a trust agreement. A trust that goes into effect while the pet owner is still alive can provide instructions for the care of the animals in the event that the pet owner becomes gravely sick or injured. Since pet owners know the particular habits of their animals better than anyone else, they can describe the kind of care their pets should have and provide a list of the person(s) who would be willing to provide that care.
Doing Your Homework
In order to complete a pet trust, you will be asked to provide the following information: -the name and address of a trustee -the name and address of a successor trustee -the name and address of a caregiver -the name and address of a successor caregiver
Any of your selections can be corporations and/or individuals or any combination of those two.
You will also be asked to:
-Adequately identify your pets in order to prevent fraud. Consider getting photos of your pet, microchip identifications and DNA samples. (One practical way of creating a trust is to create one for all of the pets you will have in your lifetime, rather than to create a separate trust for each pet.)
-Describe your pet’s standard of living and care in detail. That is, their nutritional needs, any health problems they have and the kind of home they are accustomed to living in.
-Require that the trustee ensures the caregiver is providingthe pet with regular, thorough veterinary check-ups (i.e. twice annually).
-Determine the amount of cash or assets needed to adequately cover the expenses for your pet’s care. Generally, this amount cannot exceed what may reasonably be required given your pet’s standard of living. You should also specify how the funds should be distributed to the caregiver.
-Determine the amount of cash or assets needed to adequately cover the expenses of administering the pet trust. This would cover fees accrued by the trustee and possible attorney consultations, for example.
-Choose a beneficiary who will receive any remaining funds that were not used by the pet trust.
-Provide directions for your pet’s burial or cremation.
Pet trusts offer pet owners a great deal of flexibility and peace of mind. In states where no pet law exists, or where a companion animal has a longer life expectancy than 21 years, other arrangements can be made in combination with, or instead of, a pet trust. Your legal advisor will be able to assist you in helping to create a workable solution.
Kim Bressant-Kibwe, Esq. is the ASPCA Trusts & Estates Counsel.
Pet Trust Primer
By Kim Bressant-Kibwe, Esq.
Those of us who think of our pets as family members are quickly learning that one of our responsibilities is to ensure that they are cared for long after we become incapable of doing so. One way to fulfill this responsibility is to set up something called a pet trust. Here are some basic definitions and guidelines that will help you to decide whether or not a pet trust will work for you:
What is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legally sanctioned arrangement that provides for the care and maintenance of one or more pets in the event of their owner’s disability or death. The person who creates the trust is commonly referred to as the ‘settlor’. The person who is entrusted with the funds is called the ‘trustee’. A trust can take effect either during a person’s lifetime or after their death. Typically, a trustee will hold property (cash, for example) “in trust” for the settlor’s pet or pets. When the time comes, the trustee will make payments on a regular basis to a designated caregiver. In some states, the trust may continue for the rest of the animal’s life or for 21 years, whichever comes first. Other states allow a pet trust to continue for the rest of the animal’s life without regard to the 21-year limitation. This is especially advantageous when planning for companion animals such as horses and parrots, who have longer life expectancies than cats and dogs.
How to Proceed?
Since there are several states in which a pet trust is not valid, and other states where enforcement is discretionary, it is advisable to set up a trust with the help of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. If a pet trust law does not exist in your state, contact your state representatives and ask why. It may be that the subject just never came up! See our Pet Trust State Law Chart for a full list of states with a pet trust law.
Why a Pet Trust?
Because most trusts are enforceable by law, pet owners will have peace of mind knowing their pets will be cared for according to their instructions. The directions left in a trust can, and should, be very specific. If your cat only likes a particular brand of food, your dog looks forward to daily romps in the park or if your pet should visit the veterinarian three times a year, you can specify this in a trust agreement. A trust that goes into effect while the pet owner is still alive can provide instructions for the care of the animals in the event that the pet owner becomes gravely sick or injured. Since pet owners know the particular habits of their animals better than anyone else, they can describe the kind of care their pets should have and provide a list of the person(s) who would be willing to provide that care.
Doing Your Homework
In order to complete a pet trust, you will be asked to provide the following information: -the name and address of a trustee -the name and address of a successor trustee -the name and address of a caregiver -the name and address of a successor caregiver
Any of your selections can be corporations and/or individuals or any combination of those two.
You will also be asked to:
-Adequately identify your pets in order to prevent fraud. Consider getting photos of your pet, microchip identifications and DNA samples. (One practical way of creating a trust is to create one for all of the pets you will have in your lifetime, rather than to create a separate trust for each pet.)
-Describe your pet’s standard of living and care in detail. That is, their nutritional needs, any health problems they have and the kind of home they are accustomed to living in.
-Require that the trustee ensures the caregiver is providingthe pet with regular, thorough veterinary check-ups (i.e. twice annually).
-Determine the amount of cash or assets needed to adequately cover the expenses for your pet’s care. Generally, this amount cannot exceed what may reasonably be required given your pet’s standard of living. You should also specify how the funds should be distributed to the caregiver.
-Determine the amount of cash or assets needed to adequately cover the expenses of administering the pet trust. This would cover fees accrued by the trustee and possible attorney consultations, for example.
-Choose a beneficiary who will receive any remaining funds that were not used by the pet trust.
-Provide directions for your pet’s burial or cremation.
Pet trusts offer pet owners a great deal of flexibility and peace of mind. In states where no pet law exists, or where a companion animal has a longer life expectancy than 21 years, other arrangements can be made in combination with, or instead of, a pet trust. Your legal advisor will be able to assist you in helping to create a workable solution.
Kim Bressant-Kibwe, Esq. is the ASPCA Trusts & Estates Counsel.
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