 State Board of Animal Health  Assistant State Veterinarian  Jesse L. Vollmer, DVM

 We have many disasters here of various different types.  Flooding  Blizzards  Ice storms with corresponding electrical outages  Train derailments with cars of anhydrous ammonia  Etc.

 Demographics of populations  Age and economic differences in the way people respond to adverse situations  Attitude towards children, pets, and government can be very different ND State Historical Society

 We are not issued white horses  We have very limited funds available  We are extremely limited in availability of personnel and by regulatory authority

 It is up to private citizens to be prepare themselves

 If you live along a river, creek, ancient or not so ancient lakebed-- it may flood where you live.  If you live near a fault line– you may experience earthquakes  If you live in North Dakota– it may blizzard  If you live on the great plains (North Dakota is part of) and it is hot and humid in the summer—there might be a Tornado or severe thunderstorm or even a prairie fire through a herd of grazing cattle

 It is always going to happen to someone else  Out of sight out of mind  Is it safer to shelter in place or go somewhere else??  Threat dependent

 Be organized  Keep medical records together and medications together  Make sure your animals are up to date on vaccinations—during the disaster is not when to do this  Have a carrier for your small dogs, ferrets, birds, other assorted pocket pets, or cat(s)—they do not handle situations out of the ordinary very well

 Where do you want to go with your family??  Can your pets go there too??  Does grandma and grandpa really want your pet at their house?? Remember length of your stay is uncertain  Is the regular place you board your animal outside of the danger zone??  What if you live in extended suburbia and have other critters??

 Do not PANIC  Listen to what is being said by your local officials—within reason—use common sense first  Be aware of your surroundings  Be cognizant of your neighbors—you may need their assistance someday also  Keep your priorities straight—people DO come before Spot and Fluffy

 If you are being asked to evacuate  Reception Center  Human shelters run by the Red Cross do not allow animals  You will be asked at the Reception Center if you have animals and directed where to go  We try to locate shelters as close together as possible, but with limited facilities to accomplish this…

 Yourself  Family members  Pet and leash/carrier—even if you think it is not needed  Pet’s medical records and proof of vaccination especially rabies  Any medications your pet is taking (legal only)

 Fluffy’s favorite bowl  A truck load of toys– one or two are ok if they can be safely placed in the cage with the animal– do not be upset if the toys do not come back with the pet

 If you have horses, ferrets, and snakes or other creepy crawlers  Problem is– do they or do they not fit under FEMA regulations as a pet….can sheltering costs be reimbursed???  Horses are considered livestock animals—therefore not reimbursable for sheltering expenses  You also need to have transportation, a place to go and feed lined up for your animals.

 Many local plans have provisions for sheltering livestock but no funding mechanism – do not be surprised if you are billed.  Other creepy crawlers– you would be best if you lined up sheltering on your own for them. Pet evacuation shelters would have a tough time with cold blooded animals maintaining heat.  Fargo was doing snake sheltering at the zoo, but???

 Thank you