METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – If an evacuation forces you to drive out of town in a hurry, how can you take your pets with you? What kind of cage would you need? And how is putting a dog in the backseat different from putting a bird in the backseat?
WGNO’s Susan Roesgen talks to Dr. Gregory Rich, director of West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic and Bird Hospital, about his own evacuation — with 33 exotic pets at one time!
Lagniappe
Dr. Rich has provided a detailed evaluation checklist, especially for exotic pet owners.
Aviary Preparation
1. Bird records and Data – It is the responsibility of the breeder/owner and aviary manager to make sure all birds are accounted for on a master list. Breeding data, origin of breeders, microchip and sex identification data should be copied and kept in a watertight travel case. Cage space for all birds needs to be acquired and stored in case of an evacuation.
2. ZIP drive/ external hard drive – The main computer must have a backup performed prior to evacuation. Zip Drives and external hard drives offer the quickest and most thorough form of backing up large amounts of data for easy, portable backup of computer files. Two copies should be made, each kept by a different ‘key’ owner/managerial staff member.
3. Secure transportation for animals – A safe, air conditioned* transport vehicle should be secured 24-72 hours prior to an evacuation event. Rental truck companies should be the first source. Car dealers or truck dealers may also be called for availability.
* Regular moving vans do not have safe climate control for animal
4. Secure safe location to evacuate animals to – Local breeders and out-of- state breeders /bird owners should be called 24-72 hours prior to evacuation to investigate available boarding space for the number of animals you plan to travel with. Relatives, classmates, acquaintances and old employees make good choices for this option.
5. Secure computers and electrical equipment present in the home/aviary – All computers, laboratory equipment, brooders, incubators and valuable electrical equipment should be covered and placed in sturdy plastic bags, moved to a non-floodable location within the home/aviary or moved to a safe/secure room in the facility.
6. Move all valuable paperwork, charts and retail items to a safe height or secure location within the house/aviary– Use of water-tight, plastic containers is beneficial for placement of valuable paperwork. Retail items should be moved off the ground and if possible, into shelves in a storage room. ‘Fire safes’ are not water tight, but if placed in an elevated location, are a safe storage area for valuable papers.
( Place copies of insurance papers, employee contracts, leases, payroll information, financial data, checks and bank info in water tight containers/bags for safe travel with you in case of evacuation )
7. Have a copy of all family member addresses, phone numbers and emergency contact information laminated and ready to take with you.
8. Secure all windows and glass doors. (pre-cut plywood is the best form of protection) – Preventing potential weather damage is always wise.
9. Remove artwork to a secure location – Insurance coverage is great for valuable artwork, but if you do not have to replace these valuables, the more contents coverage you will have available to replace your damaged inventory or equipment. Artwork should be placed in sturdy plastic bags before storing.
Animal Preparation
1. Have a clean transport cage ready for each and every animal in the home/aviary.
2. Make copies of the animal records of all the animals in the home/aviary at the time of the disaster/ evacuation. Place the copies in a water tight container or bag to be carried with the animals during an evacuation.
3. Have a 2 week supply of food and water capable of feeding all the animals you plan to evacuate with placed in watertight containers and placed in a box to make transport and storage easier.
4. Carry emergency supplies (bandages, nutritional supplements) with you in case of problems.
5. Carry contact numbers of local veterinarians in the area you plan to travel to with you. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH AN AVIAN VETERINARIAN IN YOUR LOCALITY – FIRST and FOREMOST!
Insurance Coverage
Business Insurance
1. Business Umbrella
2. Contents
Make sure you have the policy updated every 3-5 years to cover new equipment purchases.
3. Business interruption
Make sure you go over the length of time the policy covers you for and make sure salaried/ vital employees are covered. Also, ask how the amount paid is calculated.
4. Flood
Buy extra flood coverage if your aviary/home resides in a flood plain.
5. Signage
Emergency Phone List
- SBA:
- Insurance Agent:
- Insurance Company:
- Staff:
- Personal Physician:
- Payroll Specialist:
- State Veterinarian (LA):
State Veterinarian (MS):
State Veterinarian (TX):
- LOCAL/State VMA:
- Humane Society of US (HSUS):
- FEMA:
- Accountant:
Emergency Check List
- Computer Back Up:
- Family List:
- Employee Phone List:
- Business Insurance Papers:
- Contracts:
- Lease / Deed to Property:
- Payroll information:
- Banking Information:
- Check / Savings Books:
- Emergency Phone List:
- Health Insurance Papers:
