Animal Flood Victim Support

Here is information on what is going on to support all of the animal flood victims in the northern Colorado.

The Red Star Rescue Team
http://www.americanhumane.org/colorado-floods-american-humane-associations-red-star-rescue-team-mobilizes-to-help-animal-victims.html

Horse rescue efforts
www.FleetOfAngels.org 

Info from the American Humane Society

Before the flood

• Microchip pets or put a tag on their collars with your name, address and cellphone number so they may be returned quickly in case you are separated from your pets.
• Prepare an emergency kit beforehand and evacuate your family and pets as early as you can along with, food, meds, water, leashes, and pets' carrying cases.
• Plan multiple routes to higher elevations and a safe destination. Avoid routes near bridges. Have a safe walking route planned out, too.
• Make sure your animals are wearing collars and ID; take their vaccination papers and a photo in case you become separated and need to identify your pets if they are rescued to a shelter.
• Stock extra pet supplies in your car.
• Never leave children or pets home alone during a flood watch or warning. If water rises too fast you may not be able to get back to them.
• Don't leave pets tethered or crated without you.
• Practice loading large animals into a trailer and driving it before you have to.
• If you can't evacuate large animals, take them to high ground and do not tether them.
• Halter all horses before a flood. Consider letting them out of barns or stalls to fields and closing barn and stall doors so they cannot get trapped inside.
• Consider opening all interior pasture gates as a last resort.
• Put ID on animals and as a last resort consider turning them out.
• Maintain a waterproof box with halters, leads, meds, bandages, fly spray, food.
• Shut off all electrical breakers and close gas and water valves.

During the flood

• Stay tuned to emergency channels and heed instructions. If you are in a flood watch area, never leave your children or pets at home alone. Disasters can change quickly and you may not be able to get back home to them.

After the flood

• Use caution when returning home and walking on higher ground. Snakes, insects and other animals may have found refuge there.
• Be cautious about letting children or pets play in or drink ground water. Water may be contaminated.
• Be cautious about all food, which may have spoiled when electricity was interrupted.
• Keep your dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier.
• Watch for objects that could cause injury or harm to your children or pets.
• Give pets time to re-orient. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause your pet confusion or to become lost.
• Keep children and pets away from downed power lines and debris.
• Keep an eye on children's emotional reaction to the crisis. Talk to children – and just as important – listen to them. Reassure them frequently that you, local officials, and their communities are all working to keep them safe and return life back to normal. Watch for symptoms of stress, including clinginess, stomachaches, headaches, nightmares, trouble eating or sleeping, or changes in behavior. If you are concerned about the way your children are responding long after the crisis is over, consult your doctor, school counselor or local mental health professional.
• Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet's behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.

For more news about the Red Star team's emergency work during these disasters or to support their efforts to help animals in crisis, please go to www.americanhumane.org.

Humane Society pet emergency kit recommendations
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/09/pet-owners-urged-to-create-emergency-plan-090913.html

other links of good information in an emergency or disaster

http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals

for horses
http://www.ratemyhorsepro.com/news/10-natural-disaster-tips-for-horse-owners.aspx