Dogs and cats should wear properly fitting collars, personal identification and licence tags. Keep a current photograph of each pet in your household. You will need proof of ownership to retrieve your pet from the Bermuda SPCA Shelter.
Photographs of yourself with your pet(s) helps establish ownership. Describe any distinctive markings on the back of each pets photograph
Having your pet(s) microchipped is an established method of identifying owners.
Disaster Preparedness Kit Maintain a disaster preparedness supply kit for each of your pets:
Store important animal documents in a zip-lock or waterproof plastic bag. These should include vaccination, medical records and microchip information.
Your pets should be current on vaccinations.
Each animal should have their own pet carrier. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency.
Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness.
Buddy System
In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbour to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to seek emergency treatment for your pet if you can’t be located.
Evacuation
If it becomes necessary, take your pet(s) with you when you evacuate your premises. DO NOT leave your animals tied up outside your house. Take your Disaster Preparedness Kit with you along with the pet’s vaccination, medical records & identification photo.
If You Can’t Take Your Pet With You
Bring your pets indoors – DO NOT leave your pets chained up outdoors. Prepare a preselected site indoors for your pet. Use a room with no windows but adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom or other area that can be easily cleaned. DO NOT tie them up.
Animals left to roam are more likely to suffer injury from debris or risk being attacked by other roaming animals.
Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible, open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.
House dogs and cats should be separated even if they normally get along.
Pet behaviour may change after the disaster has passed. Monitor your pets closely and keep them leashed, harnessed or contained. Familiar landmarks and scents may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behaviour.
Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, other debris and be aware that there may be other animals roaming free in your area.
If you find a pet, call the Bermuda S.P.C.A. and veterinary clinic emergency numbers that have been set up after the disaster. Make sure you isolate that animal from your own animal(s).
Call and visit the Bermuda S.P.C.A. on a daily basis, you are the only person who can truly identify your animal(s). Bring a current photograph of your pet(s) to the Shelter and describe distinctive markings on the back of that picture. Also keep a note of the pet’s microchip number.
Create a flyer with your pet’s photograph and description, the pet’s name, your name and contact numbers.
Check daily with the Island’s veterinary clinics.
If you find your pet on your own, immediately examine it for illness or injuries and if needed, obtain medical attention from your veterinarian. Use caution when handling your pet as panicky or injured animals may bite.
Keep listening to the Radio for pet updates.
Bermuda SPCA (Tel: 236-7333)
32 Valley Road, Paget PG 05
Department of the Environment (Tel: 236-4201)
Botanical Gardens, Paget
Endsmeet Animal (Tel: 236-3292)
Middle Road, Devonshire
Ettrick Animal Hospital (Tel: 236-0007)
Middle Road, Warwick
Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau
Voicemail only (Tel: 291-1737)
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