• Behavioral Issues
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• Storms Explained

Disaster Preparedness for Horses

Horses require extra consideration because of their size and transportation needs. To help prepare for hurricanes, horse owners should put together a solid disaster plan for their animals.

 

Basic Preparedness Information for Horse Owners

• Make arrangements to have horses trailered in case of an emergency. If you do not own a trailer or do not have enough trailers for all your horses, see if you can rely on several people with trailers that could help you evacuate, if needed.
  
• Arrange for somewhere to take your horses during an emergency evacuation. Another friend or horse owner may be able to stable your horses, if needed. Your local animal care and control agency, agricultural extensive agent, or local emergency management authority can be contacted for information regarding shelters in your area.
  
• In case you are not able to evacuate the horses yourself, make your plan aware to friends and neighbors. Post instructions in the barn office, horse trailer, etc., to make your plan known.
  
• Your horses’ Coggins tests, veterinary papers, identification photographs, and vital information (medical history, allergies, emergency contact numbers) should be stored in a watertight envelope. Place this envelope with your other important documents.
  
• Keep halters ready for your horses. This halter should include: the horse’s name, your name, your telephone number, and another emergency telephone number where someone can be reached. For more information on proper identification for horses, visit our article, "Preparing Identification for Large Animals."
  
• Prepare a basic equine first aid kit that is portable and easily accessible.
  
• Create a disaster supply kit that includes water, feed, hay, and medications for several days for each horse. Also, create an evacuation kit to prepare for necessary evacuation.
  
• If your horses are unaccustomed to being loaded into a trailer, practice this procedure several times so they become used to it.

Note: There may be times when evacuating horses may be impossible. Consider if your animals may be better off in a barn or loose in a field, and research both options. If you choose not to evacuate your horses, make sure to take the proper steps to prepare supplies, prepare the animals, and prepare the grounds and buildings. Our article, "If Evacuation Is Not an Option," can help guide you, but also make sure to research your community’s disaster response plans by contacting your local humane organization, agricultural extension agent, or local emergency management agency.