Our recommended intake protocol is intended as a supplement to the AVMA/CDC guidelines for animal health. Animals affected by a disaster are at extra risk for infectious and behavioral issues as a result of trauma, exposure to toxins, contaminated food and water, and holding and/or transport into crowded facilities. Protecting human as well as animal health is of utmost importance; disease outbreaks or human illness resulting from a disaster relief program could jeopardize future rescue efforts. Please emphasize to all staff and volunteers that protecting their own health is a vital componant of a successful program developed to care for companion animals . The following guidelines are my suggestions , based on reading, discussion and personal experience. They are by no means exhaustive or definitive. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please contact us.

Many of these protocols were developed in response to rescue efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Due to the variability in the type and location of any disaster, and the medical needs of displaced animals, protocols will need to be adapted for each situation. In the event of a large scale disaster such as that which occurred with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this area will be updated with timely and more specific information based on the nature of the situation.

UCD Koret Program's Recommended list of protocols for shelters receiving displaced animals

• Intake Protocol for displaced Animals
• Management of heartworm infection when animals are transferred from endemic to non-endemic areas
• Suggested recommendations for triage of rescue dogs with skin diseases
• Feline Heartworm Frequently Asked Questions
• Re-hydrating Severely dehydrated Animals
• Re-feeding starving dogs
• CAT Treatment & Observation sheets (print out as double sided forms)
• DOG Treatment & Observation Sheets (print out as double sided forms)
• Vaccination recommendations for Emergency Shelters

UCD Koret Program's Recommended list of protocols recently used at an evacuation shelter in Butte county california during the 2008 fire.

• Suggested Veterinary Supplies ( Excel Sheet)
• Veterinary Medical Record Keeping
• Veterinary Check List Master
• Shelter Veterinary Medical Form
• General Shelter Recommendations
• Intake Procedures
• Shelter Cat Population Management Guidelines
• Shelter Cat Housing Guidelines
• Shelter Dog Population Management Guidelines
• General Cleaning Disinfection Guidelines
• Disinfection of cages & Crates
• Disinfection of Litter Boxes
• Disinfection of Bowls and Dishes

More resources for information about helping displaced animals in the event of a disaster

• The CDC's Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters
• UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT)
• American Red Cross Animal Safety Pets and Disaster Preparation site
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Disaster Center
• United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)
• ASPCA Disaster Preparedness Information site
• Petfinder Emergency Preparedness Information site