Alachua County Animal Services
3400 NE 53rd Avenue ■ Gainesville, Florida 32609 ■ 352-264-6870 ■ Fax 352-955-2542
www.myacas.org
The mission of Alachua County Animal Services is to promote public safety for the welfare of citizens and
animals. We accomplish this through education, adoption, sheltering, enforcement, and the rescue of
animals that may be stray, injured, unwanted, neglected, or abused.
Background
Alachua County Animal Services (ACAS) is Alachua County’s municipal animal shelter operating out of a
facility built in the mid-1980’s. When it was originally built, the shelter served primarily as a collection site
for unwanted animals and headquarters for our enforcement, or field operations, division. Unfortunately
the vast majority of animals brought here at that time were euthanized after only a few days. Fortunately,
however, times and the animal welfare profession have changed!
In the year 2000, for example, 11,109 animals were brought to our facility, and 8,040 were ultimately
euthanized. That means that positive outcomes (e.g. adoptions, transfers, and reclaims) were found for
only 27% of our intake that year, which the profession defines as our Live-Release-Rate (LRR). The
very next year ACAS, local rescue groups, and UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine came together to
end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. An aggressive modernization of the pet adoption
process, increased collaboration with local rescue groups, and financial support from Maddie’s Fund
helped us raise that LRR to over 90% in 2017 – meaning that positive outcomes were found for at least 9
out of every 10 animals!
Our department now consists of 4 units: administration, sheltering, medical, and field operations all
working together to affect positive change for the animals in our care and protect the public safety for the
citizens of Alachua County. In 2018 the animals brought to our facility numbered 4,621. Out of those we
were able to find new homes for (adopt) 1,777; transfer 1,100 to our local rescue partners where they
worked to re-home them; transfer another 126 to rescue partners in other communities; and return 574 to
their rightful owners. In addition we sterilized, vaccinated, eartipped, and returned 530 “community cats”
to their original locations. All total, that’s 4,107 lives saved!
Administration
Responsible for management/oversight of the department. Provides guidance and direction. Meets
fiscal responsibilities. Administers state rabies requirements and local animal licensing provisions.
Provides front-line customer service, processes owner reclaims, and performs some adoptions.
(7.5 FTEs)
Sheltering
Responsible for management/oversight of sheltering operations for nearly 5,000 cats and dogs annually.
Provides humane care and treatment of stray, surrendered, abandoned, and abused animals in our
custody 365 days per year. Administers reunification, transfer, adoption, volunteer, and foster programs.
Coordinates events that promote adoption and animal welfare. (10 FTEs)
Medical
Responsible for management/oversight of medical services for the animals in our care. Performs
forensic exams for potential cruelty cases. Administers vaccination, anti-parasitic, and biosecurity
protocols to ensure the health of sheltered animals. Also administers sterilization program including
post-operative care and pain management. (4 FTEs)
2
Field Operations
Responsible for management/oversight of field operations for approximately 10,000 calls annually.
Investigates and prosecutes alleged animal cruelty cases. Responds to citizen complaints regarding
cats and dogs. Enforces state and local animal welfare ordinances. Apprehends strays animals, returns
to owner, or transports to shelter. And provides 24/7 support for first responders with calls involving cats
and dogs. (14 FTEs)
Public Education
Satisfies local mandate to educate the public about animal safety, care, and welfare. Charged with
raising awareness through community outreach, media appearances, interaction with students
(elementary through college level). Administers Paws on Parole program. (1 FTE)
We hope you enjoy the Citizens Academy and will come back and visit our shelter often. We would love
for you to adopt one of our animals, volunteer your time to help at our facility, foster an animal in need, or
help by simply spreading the good news about our successes.
It’s also important to note that our website, www.myacas.org, contains a lot of really good additional
information – everything from adoption requirements and recommendations to tips for finding your lost
pet to frequently asked questions about animal licensing.
Maddie's Pet Rescue Project in Alachua County
ANNUAL REPORTING FORM
Alachua County Animal Services
Baseline Year: January - December 2000
NAME OF ORGANIZATION:
Dog
Cat
Total
Dog
Cat
Total
A
BEGINNING SHELTER COUNT
132
64
196
133
149
282
INTAKE (Live Dogs & Cats Only)
From the Public
Healthy 1059 730 1789
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 766 814 1580
Treatable – Manageable 532 425 957
Unhealthy & Untreatable 141 105 246
B
Subtotal Intake from the Public
2498 2074 4572
6139
4660
10799
From Incoming Transfers from Maddie Partner Organizations
Healthy 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 0 0 0
C
Subtotal From Incoming Transfers from Maddie Partner Organizations
0 0 0
55
42
97
From Incoming Transfers from Non-Maddie Partners
Healthy 1 0 1
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 1 0 1
Unhealthy & Untreatable 0 0 0
D
From Incoming Transfers from Non-Maddie Partners
2 0 2
8
5
13
From Owners/Guardians Requesting Euthanasia
Healthy 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 35 12 47
E
From Owners/Guardians Requesting Euthanasia
35 12 47
126
96
222
F
Total Intake
[B + C + D + E]
2535
2086
4621
6328
4803
11131
G
Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)
35
12
47
11
11
22
H
ADJUSTED TOTAL INTAKE
[F minus G]
2500
2074
4574
6317
4792
11109
ADOPTIONS
(Only dogs and cats adopted by the public)
Healthy 537 644 1181 957 902 1859
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 362 113 475 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 61 57 118 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 2 1 3 0 0 0
I
TOTAL ADOPTIONS
962
815
1777
957
902
1859
OUTGOING TRANSFERS
to Maddie Partners (list each separately)
Alachua County Humane Society
Healthy 111 113 224 4 8 12
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 79 191 270 5 12 17
Treatable – Manageable 72 35 107 0 1 1
Unhealthy & Untreatable 2 4 6 0 0 0
Subtotal 264 343 607 9 21 30
Gainesville Pet Rescue
Healthy 31 47 78 59 53 112
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 47 52 99 77 107 184
Treatable – Manageable 31 13 44 9 3 12
Unhealthy & Untreatable 4 0 4 0 0 0
Subtotal 113 112 225 145 163 308
Puppy Hill Farm
Healthy 9 0 9 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 22 10 32 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 7 1 8 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 1 0 2 0 0 0
Subtotal 39 11 50 0 0 0
Haile's Angels Pet Rescue
Healthy 20 1 21 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 40 24 64 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 55 7 62 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 3 0 3 0 0 0
Subtotal 118 32 150 0 0 0
Helping Hands Pet Rescue
Healthy 15 2 17 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 31 9 40 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 10 0 10 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 0 1 1 0 0 0
Subtotal 56 12 68 0 0 0
J
TOTAL OUTGOING TRANSFERS to Maddie Partners
590
510
1100
154
184
338
OUTGOING TRANSFERS
to Non-Maddie Partners
Healthy 32 1 33 0 0 0
Treatable – Rehabilitatable 26 8 34 0 0 0
Treatable – Manageable 53 4 57 0 0 0
Unhealthy & Untreatable 2 0 2 0 0 0
K
TOTAL OUTGOING TRANSFERS
to Non-Maddie Partners
113
13
126
0
0
0
L
RTF CATS
0 530
530
M
RETURN TO OWNER/GUARDIAN
533
41
574
702
78
780
DOGS & CATS EUTHANIZED
N
Healthy (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia) 1 0 1 1258 961 2219
O
Treatable – Rehabilitatable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia) 18 8 26 2313 1930 4243
P
Treatable – Manageable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia) 66 10 76 243 228 471
Q
Unhealthy & Untreatable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia) 219 126 345 617 512 1129
R
Total Euthanasia [M + N + O + P]
304
144
448
4431
3631
8062
S
Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)
31
10
41
11
11
22
T
ADJUSTED TOTAL EUTHANASIA [Q minus R]
273
134
407
4420
3620
8040
U
SUBTOTAL OUTCOMES [I + J + K + L + S]
Excludes Owner/Guardian Requested
Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)
2471
2043
4514
6233
4784
11017
V
DIED OR LOST IN SHELTER/CARE
12
55
67
25
30
55
W
TOTAL OUTCOMES [T + U]
Excludes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia
(Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)
2483
2098
4581
6258
4814
11072
X
ENDING SHELTER COUNT
153
42
195
133
149
282
153 42 195
Signature:
________________________________________________________
Date:
_____________________
I agree that in completing this form, we have used the Maddie's Fund definitions of “Healthy,” “Treatable - Manageable,”
“Treatable - Rehabilitatable,” and “Unhealthy & Untreatable” as set forth in the attached document titled, “Maddie’s Fund®
Categorizations/Definitions of Shelter Animals.”
Comments:
Annual Baseline
In a perfect world, the Ending Count is equal to the Beginning Count (A) plus Total
Intake (F) minus all Outcomes (R+V).
------->
2018
If your reported Ending Count does not match these numbers, please go back through your data and be sure you didn't miss something (i.e., animals in
foster, adoptions, transfers, etc.). If all animals have been accounted for and the reported Ending Count is different, please indicate in the comment
section.
Alachua County
Community Cat Guide
Alachua County Animal Services
3400 NE 53
rd
Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 264-6870
Operation Catnip of Gainesville
4205 NW 6
th
St, Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 380-0940
Questions about community cats, trapping,
spay-neuter, or other cat related issues?
Contact Operation Catnip at (352) 380-0940 or
info@ocgainesville.org
4205 NW 6th St, Gainesville FL 32609
www.operationcatnip.org
Questions about
low-cost spay-
neuter and
veterinary care
for pet cats and
dogs?
Contact the
Alachua County
Humane Society at
(352) 376-6647 or go to
www.alachuahumane.org/services
Easy Ways YOU can Help
Community Cats
• Spay-neuter and vaccinate community cats
for free at a Catnip Sunday clinic. Contact
Operation Catnip for more information.
• Adopt a working cat in need of a new
outdoor home. Operation Catnip and Alachua
County Animal Services often have working
cats available for adoption.
• Foster underage kittens, particularly during
the summer kitten season. Contact Alachua
County Animal Services or other local rescue
groups about foster opportunities.
• Volunteer with Operation Catnip and
Alachua County Animal Services.
• Donate to Operation Catnip to ensure that
Catnip Sunday spay-neuter clinics remain free
for all Alachua County community cats!
• Any unowned free-roaming cat living in an
outdoor environment
• Usually not well socialized to people
• Typically live in groups called colonies
What is Trap-Neuter-Return?
• TNR is the only eective and humane way
to stabilize and decline community cat
populations.
• Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a
spay-neuter clinic or veterinarian, where they
are spay-neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped.
• Cats are then returned to their outdoor home,
where they are often provided continuing care
by a caregiver.
What is a Community Cat?
Why not trap and remove?
It is the universally accepted
way to identify a spay-
neutered and vaccinated
cat. If you see an eartipped
cat outdoors, it means the
cat has been through a TNR
program.
Source: Alley Cat Allies
This is an eartip
• If cats are just removed, other cats will move
into the territory and will ll the space left
behind. The new cats integrate into the area
and produce more kittens
• There are very few locations that will accept
relocation of community cats.
• Trapping and removing cats without a
caregiver is inhumane.
What to do if you nd a free-
roaming cat?
Check to see if the cat is eartipped.
• Eartipped and healthy: leave the cat alone. This
cat is already in its outdoor home.
• Not eartipped and not social: contact
Operation Catnip to set up a reservation for
free spay-neuter.
• Friendly and appears lost: report a found cat to
Alachua County Animal Services (ACAS), bring
the cat to a vet or ACAS to scan for a microchip,
post found cat iers in the neighborhood,
and post a found cat or sighting report to
Gainesville Pet Finder on Facebook.
Kittens cannot be adopted or rehomed until
they are 2 months old and 2 pounds.
• Under 2 months and 2 pounds: leave them
with their mother.
• Under 2 months and no mother: consider
fostering them until they are the appropriate
age and weight for adoption.
• Over 3 months and unsocial: contact
Operation Catnip to set up a reservation for
free spay-neuter.
• Don’t forget about mom! You may not always
see her, but where there are kittens there is
a mom. Contact Operation Catnip for help
locating her.
What to do if you found kittens?
Operation Catnip is a local non-prot
organization that conducts high-quality,
high-volume spay-neuter clinics (typically
held once a month) called Catnip Sundays.
At each Catnip Sunday, community cats
are humanely trapped, spayed-neutered,
vaccinated for rabies and other feline viruses,
and returned to their colonies. Catnip
Sundays are run by a team of 100 volunteers
(veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary
technicians, and other community members),
and are capable of sterilizing 200+ cats in a
matter of hours.
Services oered by Operation Catnip:
• Spay-neuter unowned, free-roaming cats
from Alachua County
• Provide routine vaccinations at the time
of surgery and booster vaccinations as
needed
• Lend out humane traps free of charge for
safe capture and transportation of cats to
the clinic
Services NOT oered by Operation Catnip:
• Spay-neuter owned pets or adoptable
strays
• Spay-neuter cats that will be placed in
sanctuaries or shelters
• Accept cats for adoption
• Relocate cats
• Participate in cat trapping for release to
animal shelters or euthanasia
Cats are digging in my garden
• Spread deterrents in your yard. Scatter fresh orange and lemon peels
or spray citrus scented fragrances. Sprinkle coee grounds, vinegar,
pipe tobacco, dried rue, or oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or
eucalyptus.
• Plant rue, lavender, or rosemary to deter cats from the garden.
Feeding the cats attracts insects and wildlife
• Feed all pets in an indoor or enclosed area to not attract community
cats and other wildlife.
• Keep trash cans tightly sealed to avoid attracting wildlife.
• If your neighbors are feeding community cats, educate them on proper feeding guidelines.
Cats are lounging in my yard or sleeping under my porch or in my shed
• Apply cat deterrents liberally around the edges of the yard, the tops of the fences, and on any
favorite spots.
• Physically block or seal the location the cats are entering with chicken wire or lattice.
Cats are yowling, ghting, spraying, roaming, and having kittens
• These are all mating behaviors displayed by cats who have not been spayed or neutered, and they
will continue to breed. Spaying or neutering the cats will stop these behaviors.
• After neutering, male cats will no longer compete, ght, spray, or roam.
• After spaying, females will stop yowling and producing kittens.
Simple Steps for Deterring Unwanted Cat Behaviors
How to Care for Community Cats While Being Respectful of Your Neighbors
• Feed cats at the same designated time each day, during daylight
hours. They should be given only enough food for them to nish
in one sitting, and all remaining food should be removed after 30
minutes. Visit www.alleycat.org/ColonyCare for a thorough list of
colony management guidelines.
• Keep the feeding area neat and free of leftover food and trash.
• To help deter the cats from relieving themselves using your neighbors’
ower beds, establish a litterbox by placing sand or loose soil in an
out-of-the-way, sunny spot in your yard. Keep it clean and free of
deposits.
• If you feed, don’t let them breed! Contact Operation Catnip to make a
reservation for free spay-neuter services for community cats.
Alachua County Animal Services handles
community cats through the Return-to-
Field program. Any healthy, non-adoptable
community cats brought to ACAS, are spayed-
neutered, vaccinated, and returned to the
location where they were found. The Return-
to-Field program is a partnership with ACAS
and Operation Catnip designed to end the
needless euthanasia of community cats and
provide support to their caregivers.
Alachua County
Animal Services
Services oered by Alachua County
Animal Services
• Return healthy, unsocialized or semi-
socialized community cats to their outdoor
homes through the Return-to-Field program
• Adoption of socialized pet cats
Services NOT oered by Alachua County
Animal Services
• Trap community cats
• Relocate cats from their outdoor homes
• Pick up healthy, eartipped cats
Originating
Department
Fee
ANIMAL
SERVICES
$10.00
(325) 264-6870
$5.00
$20.00
$40.00
$10.00
$10.00
$5.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$20.00
$50.00
$10.00 / day
$15.00 / day
Cost Incurred
$10.00 / year
$40.00 / year
$10.00
$10.00
$5.00
($2.00) each
Livestock
(small - Goat, Pig, etc)
Pocket Pets
(Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, etc)
Reptiles
(Snake, Iguana, etc)
Description of Service to be Furnished
Bird (large - Cockatiel, Parrot, etc)
Bird
(small - Parakeet, Finch, etc)
Cat (includes intake vaccinations, parasite treatment,
FeLV/FIV testing, veterinary exam, sterilization, rabies
vaccination (> 4 mos), microchip, and county license/tag)
Dog (includes intake vaccinations, parasite treatment,
heartworm testing, veterinary exam, sterilization, rabies
vaccination (> 4 mos), microchip, and county license/tag)
Ferret (includes parasite treatment, veterinary exam,
sterilization, rabies vaccination (> 4 mos), microchip, and
county license/tag)
ADOPTION FEES:
RECLAIM FEES: (Total of all applicable fees listed below )
Intake vaccinations (mandatory)
Parasite treatment (mandatory)
Microchip (mandatory if deficient)
Rabies vaccination & county license/tag:
Sterilized & microchipped cat, dog, or ferret
Replacement tag
Discount for licenses/tags sold to veterinarians
Unsterilized and/or un-microchipped cat, dog, or ferret
Microchip
Rabies Vaccination (Tuesday-Friday 2-5pm)
NOTE: Adoption fees may be decreased or waived by the Animal Services Director
during special promotions, to promote efficient shelter operations, and/or to optimize
animal life-saving.
LICENSE FEES:
Emergency medical/veterinary expenses
Sterilized (mandatory if deficient)
Unsterilized (mandatory if deficient)
Boarding (mandatory for each day after initial day of
impoundment)
Bite Quarantine (mandatory for each day of
impoundment)
Originating
Department
Fee
ANIMAL
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
SERVICES
$30.00
(325) 264-6870
$10.00
$400.00
$50.00
$400.00
$50.00
$40.00
$20.00
$10.00 / week
No Charge
Not Accepted
$50.00 / animal or litter
No Charge
Applicable adoption fee for
species
No Charge
$20.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$75.00
$95.00
$10.00 / each
Cost Incurred
Cost Incurred
Cost Incurred
Out of County Resident - Stray
Out of County Resident - Owned Cat or Dog
DIAGNOSTIC TEST and/or PROCEDURES:
Any animal on the euthanasia list
Physical Exam (veterinary)
Aggressive Dog:
Initial Registration
Annual Registration
SURRENDER FEES:
Necropsy (forensic)
Sutures
Cat Sterilization
Dog Sterilization
Antibiotic and/or pain medications
Emergency medical/veterinary expenses
Fecal Flotation
FeLV/FIV testing
Heartworm testing
Canine Parvovirus testing
Diagnostic Imaging
Alachua County resident (or animal found in Alachua
County)
Annual Registration
Transportation (pick up and/or delivery)
Trap Rental (live animal):
Euthanasia (owner requested)
Disposal
NOTE: Transfers only available to nonprofit Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs). Pre-
sterilized transfers only available to a pre-approved list of AWOs who have agreed in
writing that each animal will be sterilized (and microchipped, if applicable) prior to
adoption.
Description of Service to be Furnished
Dangerous Dog:
TRANSFER FEES:
Pre-sterilized (includes intake vaccinations, parasite
treatment, testing (to the extent possible), rabies
vaccination (> 4 mos), and microchip)
Sterilized (includes intake vaccinations, parasite
treatment, testing, veterinary exam, sterilization, rabies
vaccination (> 4 mos), microchip, and county license/tag)
First Week
Additional Weeks
Initial Registration
Preparing
Your Pets for
Emergencies
Makes Sense.
Get Ready
Now.
www.ready.gov
Preparing for Your
Pets Makes Sense.
Get Ready Now.
If you are like millions of animal owners nation-
wide, your pet is an important member of your
household. The likelihood that you and your
animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or
flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely
on emergency planning done today. Some of the
things you can do to prepare for the unexpected,
such as assembling an animal emergency supply
kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are
the same for any emergency. Whether you decide
to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer
location, you will need to make plans in advance
for your pets. Keep in mind that what’s best for
you is typically what’s best for your animals.
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if
possible. However, if you are going to a public
shelter, it is important to understand that animals
may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for
shelter alternatives that will work for both you and
your pets.
Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t
care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy
system with neighbors, friends and relatives to
make sure that someone is available to care for
or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have
on hand to make it on your own for at least three
days, maybe longer.
Preparing for the
unexpected makes sense.
Get Ready Now.
This information was developed by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency
in consultation with:
American Kennel Club, The American Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
American Veterinary Medical Association,
and The Humane Society of the U.S.
FEMA R-7
Prepare
Get a Pet Emergency Supply Kit.
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think
first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider
two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where
you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take
with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review
your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and
medicines, are fresh.
Food. Keep at least three days of food in an airtight,
waterproof container.
Water. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets
in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply
of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
container.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most
appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits
should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors;
antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl
alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a
collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup
leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition,
place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers,
vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or
waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also
consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification
such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an
emergency situation take your pets and animals with you provided
that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so
will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier
ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough
for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers,
paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to
provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can
bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water
to one part bleach), or in an emergency you
can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops
of regular household liquid bleach per
gallon of water. Do not use scented or
color safe bleaches, or those
with added cleaners.
use
1
A picture of you and your pet together. If you become
separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your
pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist
you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species,
breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit.
Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
2
Plan
What Y
ou Will Do in an Emergency.
Be prepared to assess the situation. Use whatever
you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s
safety during an emergency. Depending on your circumstances and
the nature of the emergency the first important decision is whether
you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both
possibilities. Use common sense and the information you are learning
here to determine if there is immediate danger.
In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be
able to provide information on what is happening and what you should
do. However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for
instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate, shelter-in-place or
seek medical treatment, do so immediately.
Create a plan to get away. Plan how you will assemble your
pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take
your pets with you if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in
mind your animals may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate
lodging in advance depending on the number and type of animals in
your care. Consider family or friends willing to take in you and your
pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel
that takes pets or a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary
hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting
place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facili-
ties in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.
Develop a buddy system.
Plan with neighbors, friends or
relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or
evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet
care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you
keep your pet’s emergency supply kit. Also designate specific
locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther
away, where you will meet in an emergency.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian
about emergency planning.
Discuss the types of things that you should
include in your pet’s emergency first aid kit.
Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals
in other cities where you might need to seek
temporary shelter. You should also consider
talking with your veterinarian about
permanent identification such as
microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact
information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery
database is essential to your being reunited with your pet.
Gather contact information for emergency animal
treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses
of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society
or SPCA, and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of
these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency
supply kit. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your
doors or windows, including information on the number and types
of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers.
Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could
be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to
write the words “Evacuated with Pets” across the stickers, should
you flee with your pets.
Stay Informed
Know About Types of Emergencies.
S
3
ome of the things you can do to prepare for the
unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for
yourself, your family and your pets, is the same regardless of the
type of emergency. However, it’s important to stay informed about
what might happen and know what types of emergencies are
likely to affect your region as well as emergency plans that have
been established by your state and local government. For more
information about how to prepare, visit www.ready.gov
or call 1-800-BE-READY.
Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal
circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions
received from authorities on the scene. With these simple
preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Those who
take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely
encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the time now
to get yourself and your pet ready.
Preparing for Your Pets Makes Sense.
Get Ready Now.
