Never endanger yourself, your life or
your Rig for the removal of animals!
Why it’s ok to say NO
Understanding the dynamics of the situation you been asked to help with is important. Not only could you be putting yourself in danger, what about the tools we need to use for an evacuation?
The cost of replacing your equipment can and is very expensive and if you do not have the proper training and experience to handle multiple breeds of horses, you could be putting yourself in danger.
If you can and are able to help, below are a few things to prepare before heading out?
Removal of Animals:
- Keep records of animals removed from each location (write down cross streets/ take a picture of the address)
- Take pictures of animals removed
- Leave notification for owner of location of shelter
- Leave your information (get a personal business card)
- Identify evacuation centers (before you haul)
Truck/ Trailer Care:
- Removal ALL bedding from trailer (shavings, straw etc.) essential in fire evacuations
- Close ALL vents and windows in Truck and Trailer
- When possible, have a passenger with you (it’s easier to load unknown horses in with help)
Personal Care:
- Tuck your hair in a hat and put in a ponytail (essential in fire evacuations)
- Have a moist Bandana to put over your nose & mouth
Intake of Evacuees:
- Have intake sheet for each animal
- List who brought them in, contact info, vehicle ID
- Identify location of pick-up (be specific)
- Identify each animal by markings, brands, etc.
- Place ID on each animal (Horse ID Collar with intake #’s is best)
- Contact ASPCA, Animal Control, HSUS or other agency of animals you took in (They may be able to help locate the owners if necessary) Also Stolen Horses.com offers free listings for animals displaced during evacuations.
- Keep intake animals away from your own animals (if possible) More importantly, they should be taken to the local evacuation locations set up by officials so it may be easier for owners to be re-united.
- Always remember that it is OK to say NO. And just because you can, does not mean to have to help. Sometimes there are way more people helping than are necessary. So, contact local officials before you go to confirm that your help is necessary and needed.
