Pets During Emergencies — Shelter and Mamad Care Guide

Why Plan Ahead for Pets?

During a siren, animals react to stress, loud noises, and disrupted routines. Dogs may panic, bolt, or become aggressive. Cats tend to hide in places that are difficult to reach. Without advance preparation, you may waste precious time searching for your pet instead of entering the mamad.

Home Front Command instructs residents to enter the mamad with all family members — including pets. You should never forgo entering a safe room because of a missing pet, but advance preparation greatly reduces the risk of that situation arising.

Emergency Kit for Pets

Prepare a dedicated kit and keep it near the mamad:

Food and Water

• Dry food for 3 days — calculate the quantity based on your pet’s weight
• Water — 1 liter per day for a medium dog, half a liter for a cat
• Collapsible bowls for food and water
• Favorite treats (for rewarding and calming)

Essential Supplies

• Leash and collar with an ID tag — even if your dog is microchipped, a physical tag is essential
• Carrier for cats and small dogs — familiarize your pet with the carrier in advance
• Waste bags and newspaper for needs
• Portable litter box for cats + litter for 3 days
• Old towel — for cleaning, warmth, and creating a familiar scent
• Familiar toy — an item that smells like home and provides comfort

Medical

• Regular medications for 7 days
• Copy of vaccination records
• Veterinarian’s phone number
• Basic pet first aid supplies (gauze, bandage)

What to Do During a Siren

Dogs

1. Call your dog in a calm but firm tone — do not shout, as this increases stress
2. Put on the leash before entering the mamad
3. Inside the mamad, have the dog sit near your feet and pet slowly
4. If the dog trembles or pants heavily — this is normal. Speak in a quiet voice
5. Never leave a dog tied up outside during a siren

Dogs afraid of loud noises: Consider a pressure vest (Thundershirt) that provides a hugging sensation. Gradually desensitize the dog to loud noises during routine periods. Consult your vet about natural calming supplements.

Cats

1. If the cat is within reach — place in the carrier, then take to the mamad
2. If the cat has hidden — try luring with a favorite treat. Do not spend more than 30 seconds
3. In the mamad, keep the cat in the carrier with a towel draped over it — darkness is calming
4. After the all-clear, open the carrier and let the cat come out at its own pace

Small Animals

• Birds: Cover the cage with a dark cloth and move to the mamad
• Hamsters/Rabbits: Move in their cage directly to the mamad
• Fish: Cannot be moved. Do not risk your safety — enter the mamad

Public Shelters — What Are the Rules?

For public shelters, the situation is more complex:

• There is no legal obligation to allow pets into a public shelter
• Some shelters permit pets in a closed carrier — check with your building committee in advance
• If there is resistance — a closed carrier helps (reduced odor, limited allergen exposure)
• Your own mamad — you are in control, there is no issue bringing pets

Calming Pets After an Event

Animals may show stress signs for days after an incident:

Dogs: pacing, food refusal, howling, destructive behavior, increased clinginess Cats: prolonged hiding, litter box avoidance, reduced eating, aggression

What to do:

• Return to routine as quickly as possible — feeding times, walks, play
• Provide a quiet, safe space
• Do not force interaction
• If behavior persists for more than a week — consult your veterinarian

Checklist

• Pet emergency kit prepared and accessible
• Food and water for 3 days
• Carrier — cat/small dog accustomed to it
• Leash and collar with ID tag
• Medications for 7 days
• Copy of vaccination records
• Practiced entering the mamad with the pet
• Checked public shelter policy (if relevant)

Resources

• Home Front Command — general emergency guidelines
• Veterinary Services — Ministry of Agriculture
• Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — emergency hotline