Large Animal Rescue

The federal government has recently enacted legislation making Technical Animal Rescue training a requirement for NIMS compliant Swiftwater Rescue Teams. NIMS compliance is mandatory in order to receive government funding.

States are required to help evacuate pets during a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake or risk losing federal money. The federal law requires all states to present the Federal Emergency Management Agency with pet evacuation plans before receiving federal funds for emergency preparedness.

The Pets Evacuation & Transportation Standards (PETS) Act (S 2548 and HR 3858) require that local and state governments develop disaster plans for animals.

The PETS Act requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in case of a disaster. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Furthermore, the PETS Act:

• Grants FEMA the authority to assist states and local communities in developing disaster plans to accomodate people with pets and service animals.
• Authorizes federal funds to states to help pet-friendly emergency shelter facilities.
• Allows FEMA to provide assistance for individuals with pets and service animals, and the animals themselves following a major disaster.

Preparing large animals to survive a disaster.

• Find a destination for evacuation such as an agriculture center that can board large animals.
• If you have to leave livestock behind, be sure they have access to two weeks supply of water.
• Place veterinary papers, medical history and emergency phone numbers prominently in waterproof envelopes.
• Your phone number and name should be on their harnesses or halters or spray-painted on their sides. If possible, have a trailer ready if you need to move large animals out of danger.
• Be sure your shed or barn is clear of objects that can become flying debris in violent winds. If possible, reinforce the barn with hurricane straps to keep the roof from being dislodged.

Whether you have large animals or family pets, its wise to write a disaster plan that includes a list of needed supplies, tools, feed and water, and first aid equipment.