Emergency Preparedness
The key to being prepared for a disaster is having a plan in place. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your rabbits quickly and safely. In an emergency, your rabbits will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being. Know what to do to keep your beloved bunnies safe! Always be sure your rabbit’s RHDV2 vaccination is up-to-date to ensure they’re protected in case you need to take shelter at a place where they may be exposed to other animals. If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or floods, you need to plan accordingly.
Get your rabbit microchipped
A microchip is implanted under the skin in an animal’s shoulder area and can be read by a scanner at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic. If you and your rabbit get separated, this can serve as a permanent form of identification and prove they belong to you. Remember to update your pet’s microchip information if you move. Include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area, if possible.
Get a rescue alert sticker
The ASPCA offers a free pet safety pack with pet rescue window and door stickers to help alert rescue personnel that pets are inside your home in the event of an emergency. Make sure the stickers are placed in a visible area. If you must evacuate with your rabbit, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the sticker.
Know a safe place to take your rabbit
Have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate. Research what hotels are close by or along your likely evacuation route and ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency. Before a disaster hits, call your local office of emergency management to verify there will be shelters in your area that take people and their pets. (Not all shelters accept pets.) Depending on the situation, you may also be able to board your rabbit at a pet boarding facility, animal shelter, or veterinary clinic. Contact them to see about the possibility of temporarily housing your rabbit.
Evacuate early
Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. Some people who have waited to be evacuated by emergency officials have been told to leave their pets behind. If you need to evacuate your home during a disaster, the best way to protect your rabbits is to evacuate them too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind, it’s not safe to leave rabbits behind either. Regularly practice putting your rabbit in their carrier so they get used to being picked up and put in it.
Build your evacuation kit
☐Pellets, hay, and water (about a week’s worth). Keep your “grab and go” supplies in a waterproof container. If you’ll have access to a refrigerator, get fresh veggies.
☐ Litter box, litter, and food and water bowls.
☐ Your rabbit’s medical records and medications (if applicable).
☐ First aid kit with supplies like cotton bandage rolls and vet
wrap, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, latex
gloves, Critical Care, saline solution, and towels and/or fleece
blankets. Ask your vet if they can provide you with meloxicam,
syringes, and IV fluids for emergency use.
☐ Crate or pet carrier.
☐ Pop up pen, which is easier to grab and go with than an x-pen.
☐ Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, trash bags, and vinegar..
☐Familiar items to help comfort your rabbit, like their favorite treats, toys, and stuffed animal.
☐ Photos of you with your rabbit—if you become separated from them during an emergency,
a picture of you together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in
identifying your rabbit. This is especially important if your rabbit isn’t microchipped.
☐ If you live in an area where Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 (RHDV2) is actively
spreading, make sure you have disinfectant that’s effective against the virus, such as Rescue.
☐ Keep a good supply of batteries, candles, hand sanitizer, battery operated fans, and money
(as ATMs and banks may not be open) on hand.
Stay Informed
Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials. Sign up for Nixle alerts, which can keep you up-to-date with important information from your local public safety departments and schools. You can sign up to receive text messages and/or emails.
Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.