Companion animals in disaster response planning, Part 2: the NEHA Second Dog and first cat Speak out.

I live with three guys, two dogs (Samson and Ranger) and an outdoor cat (Fred). Samson (the First Dog who was featured in my last column), Ranger (the Second Dog, who is a purebred redbone coon hound that I refer to as a life support system for an incredible nose), are pretty much indoor dogs, and we share just about everything. Both tolerate cigar smoke and really enjoy my cooking.

'Nuff said--this is Ranger and Fred's turn. Ranger, the Second Dog, runs around the yard tracking squirrels and rabbits I never would have seen. But he has a good heart and never harms them. Like Sam, Ranger loves me with all his heart and would give his life without hesitation to protect mine. Fred (a classic American black-and-white Tabby currently serving as the NEHA First Cat) prefers the independent lifestyle of full-time outdoor cat and protector of my property from mice, rats, and other vermin, which he very efficiently hunts. Fred does, however, require that his water and cat food bowls be filled every day and that we spend a few minutes of quality time as I leave each morning and return at the end of my day. If those few needs are met, he is one happy Tabby and as much a member of my household as Samson and Ranger, albeit an independent one--and we respect his choice.

Now, back to the theme of companion animals and the importance of taking them into consideration in planning for national disaster responses. Whether the incident involves a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, a technological disaster such as the recent chemical-holding-facility fire in Apex, North Carolina, or a terrorist event, the typical result is mass evacuation of local citizens from their residences. During Katrina, when large groups of evacuees were transported by buses and so forth, people were forced to leave their companion animals behind. Now, one must be cautious in condemning the policy. Consider the public health and safety issues raised by the mixing of people, dogs, cats, pet pigs, and so forth in a confined space, whether it is a bus or a shelter. The solution is to include companion animals in response plan development and to practice (even on a small scale) before disaster strikes. Public acceptance of the plan is also critical if people are going to be willing to turn over their pet family members.

I cannot and will not boast that I have the magic solution to this complex issue. Every disaster response plan is unique to the location and demographics of the public under consideration. I can offer some suggestions. My first premise is that planning has three phases: initial evacuation, sheltering, and reunification of companion animals with their families during the recovery phase.

During the initial evacuation, one might consider having animal control staff with vehicles adequately equipped to separate animals. Ranger is adamant that animals are just as terrified as human beings, that dogs may not get along with other dogs, that dogs do not generally get along with cats, and that cats may not be comfortable around other cats. Segregation is critical. Fred reminds me that you can transport more cats than dogs in a given space, as smaller containers are required. The critical step is to uniquely identify each animal and provide the owner with the information for later reunification.

Sheltering is where the input of the environmental health professional is most invaluable. Planning considerations involve identifying adequate shelter facilities that have climate control and surfaces capable of being easily cleaned and disinfected. Segregation can be implemented through animal crates, wood, fencing, and so forth; however, the materials must be procured and stocked beforehand. The hardware store or pet store is not an option when the storm has passed and the area is flooded. Remember, in the animal care world, the veterinarian is king. We can, however, contribute our skills in potable-water supply; solid waste disposal; and, with minimal training, animal communicable-disease control. Believe me--and I speak from experience--veterinarians will welcome our planning input and response assistance.

Reunification of companion animals with their families will be much easier if the evacuation process is executed properly and the animals are easily identifiable through an accounting system. Unfortunately, during Katrina, far too many owners had to endure the anxiety of searching shelter by shelter for their pet family members.

Those of us who were involved in Katrina know all too well the trauma experienced by people who were forced to abandon their companion animals and particularly by people who have yet to be reunited with their animals. Still worse was the course taken by those who refused to leave because their companion pet could not go with them. Whether or not you personally have companion animals, we as environmental health professionals need to be involved with other public health and safety professionals in expanding our response plans to include the companion animals that mean so much to the public we serve. We owe our fellow citizens a much more inclusive response plan the next go round. They should expect no less, and I know we shall deliver.

CAPT Richard F. Collins, R.S., M.S.E.H., D.A.A.S.

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