Caring for Exotic Pets in a Disaster

I know that pets can be more than just dogs and cats. Birds, snakes, lizards and small mammals also need your attention in a disaster. Birds and lizards can be transported in their cage if it is secure. Otherwise, a carrier should be used. Wrap a blanket over the cage if the weather is cool and place them in a warmed vehicle. If the weather is warm, have a spray bottle to periodically mist them. Instead of placing water in the cage, which will spill, provide fresh fruit or vegetables that are high in water content. Line the carrier with paper towels and change them frequently.

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase until more secure housing can be arranged at your evacuation site. However, if you are going to be anywhere near me, you just leave that snake at home and hope for the best. Just kidding...kinda. Have a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad or other heat source. If the snake will require feeding within the next few days, find someone who has evacuated with their pet hamster and distract them. I'm only kidding. Bring their food with you.

For warmth while transporting animals, fill a sock with uncooked rice and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. The warmth of the rice in the sock will help keep pets warm during the transport. Be sure to check the temperature because the rice can get very hot. This really does work, I used this trick when caring for a sick baby chick and the sock stayed warm for over an hour.