Like any other family member, a pet needs care during an earthquake. In order to take care of their pets, pet owners must first be calm.
If the accident occurs outdoors, they should try to move to an open area away from trees, poles and buildings, says Michaelson Found Animals, an animal welfare organization.
If the ground begins to shake, the animals may become frightened and try to get to safety. In such a situation, you must hold on to the belt.
Animals are generally good at finding shelter and know how to hide until the danger has passed. If the leash comes loose or the pet escapes, look for it immediately after the shaking stops.
If the earthquake happens while they are indoors and it is possible to take their pets with them, they should try to evacuate the animal. If they can’t go outside, they need to find a safe place, such as a bathroom or near sturdy furniture, to take advantage of the triangle of life, according to pet food brand Nupec. You should always avoid staying near windows.
Some animals scratch, bite or attack when they are afraid and want to escape. If that happens, it’s wise not to try to keep them and let them get to safety on their own, says biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
If for some reason the pets were in the carrier, it is advisable to leave them there for transport or to protect them from dirt.
And after the earthquake?
Once the earthquake has passed, pets should be found, comforted, and examined to rule out injury. If there were any, it would be important to take them to a vet.
If the home is safe, it is ideal for them to stay in a windowless but well-ventilated room. For example, a utility room. You don’t have to leave them outside tied up.
After an earthquake, there’s a chance that familiar smells and locations will change, which can confuse wildlife, warns American Humane, a group that helps animals after disasters.
They must be given space when necessary and away from debris, pylons and contaminated water. Other animals may prefer to be petted or hugged by their family while they reorient themselves.
As part of an emergency plan, it’s a good idea to arrange for a neighbor to check on the condition of other people’s pets if their guardians can’t get home immediately. This person would have to have the details of the animals’ primary veterinarian, explains AnimaNaturalis International, an organization that advocates for wildlife rights.
When evacuating, people are advised to try to take their pets with them. However, in many cases this is impossible because animal shelters do not allow animals. In such a situation, you should be careful to leave them in a safe place where they cannot escape or get hurt. They require lots of water and food. If possible, you should visit them daily to check how they are doing.
If someone finds a lost pet and is able to do so, you can offer them temporary shelter and food. She would have to put them on missing animal lists and post them on social media so her guardian can find them.
How to prepare?
In addition to microchipping and registering pets, it is ideal for them to always carry an identification tag with current contact information and, if possible, relevant medical information, such as allergies and health problems. If they were lost, it would be easier for them to return to their guardians.
Another tip is to hang the leash near the door so you don’t have to search for it in the event of an evacuation.
Pets must also be included in family continence plans and have their own emergency equipment.
With information from American Humane, AnimaNaturalis International, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Michael Found Animals and Nupec.
