Pets: What to Do During a Chemical Emergency

What to know

If your pet is exposed during a chemical emergency, there are steps to follow to clean them and get to safety.

Overview

If a chemical emergency happens, you may need to take steps to protect yourself and your pets.

This guide is mostly for dogs and cats. For tips on disaster planning for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles, or small animals, such as gerbils and hamsters, please visit:

Up-to-date information‎

In the event of a chemical emergency, listen to the radio, television, mobile alerts, or your mobile news app to get up-to-date information.

Follow any instructions from the police, fire, or other local officials.

Get away

Get away from the area of the chemical release.

Inside

If the chemical release is inside a building:

If you were exposed
  • Go outside and get fresh air.
  • Quickly move as far away as possible from the area.
  • Take any pets with you.
If you were not exposed
  • Stay inside.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Keep any pets inside with you.

Outside

  • If the chemical release is outside, get away as far as possible from the area as you can. Listen to authorities about how to stay safe.
  • Stay upwind if possible.
  • Take any pets with you.

Get it off

Your pet may need to be cleaned if they came in contact with the chemical. Remove any chemical from yourself first. Then you can do the same for your pet by following these steps:

1. Put on a mask and waterproof gloves.

1. If you don't have a mask and gloves, use cloth to cover your face and plastic bags to cover your hands.

2. Blot your pet's face, body, and paws with a moist wipe, wet cloth, or damp paper towel. Do not rub.

3. Wash your pet with lukewarm water and mild skin soap, if available, for at least 2-3 minutes. Start from the head then work your way to the tail. Try not to get the water in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Do not scrub!

4. Flush your pet's eyes for 10-15 minutes with lukewarm water if their eyes are red or they are rubbing their eyes.

5. Dry your pet. This helps remove any leftover chemical.

You may need to repeat these steps if you were exposed to more chemical while cleaning your pet.

Reminder‎

Wear gloves to put any used things in a plastic bag, close it up, and put it in a second plastic bag. Put the bags in a closed container where they won't be opened by accident and expose others to the chemical. If you don't have gloves, use plastic bags. Do not put the bags in the regular trash!

Get help

If you had to clean yourself or your pet, get help by:

  • Calling the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
  • Calling 911.
  • Going to the nearest hospital.

If you had to clean your pet, they may need to be checked by a veterinarian. Only do this once the chemical emergency is over and it is safe to do so.

Evacuate or shelter in place

In some chemical emergencies, you may need to stay put and seal off your space or leave the area. Taking care of a pet in a chemical emergency is not as simple as caring for yourself or a loved one. They need a special Ready to Go bag and plan for their care.

Tip‎

Develop a buddy system with a trusted neighbor. If you are not home, contact them and ask if they can take care of your pet until it is safe for you to return home.

Evacuate

  • If you are told to go to a shelter, take your pets with you. If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured, or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.
  • Put your pet in a pet carrier or crate.
  • Take your pet's Ready to Go bag with a two-week supply of their medications.

Keep in mind‎

Some shelters, such as those of the American Red Cross, take only service animals. Local emergency services may have information on other area shelters that take pets. Local animal shelters or your veterinarian may offer advice on what to do with your pets if you must evacuate.
Keep Reading: Responding to Evacuation

Shelter in place

  • If you are home, go inside and take any pets with you. Close and lock all windows and doors. Turn off the fans, air conditioner, and furnace. Close the fireplace damper.
  • After you have done those things, remove any plants that might harm your pet. Then close off any small areas where small pets can hide or get stuck, such as under heavy furniture.
  • Get your Ready to Go bag and your pet's Ready to Go bag. Take your pet's medications. Take your phone and charging cables.
  • Go to your safe room, the room you can seal off from outside air, and shut the door. This room should have no or few windows and be as far away as possible from the outside. It should also be at the highest point in the building and have a water source, if possible.
Keep Reading: Responding to Shelter in Place

First aid

Veterinarians are the best choice to treat a pet once the chemical emergency is over or if you have evacuated.

Some shelters may have veterinarians on site or nearby. Ask at the shelter.

Pain and fear can make animals bite, scratch, or do things they normally would not do. Touch your pet slowly and gently. Give first aid if needed.

Resources

Pets Welcome

Pet Friendly Travel

Pet Travel.com

Red Rover Pet Disaster Preparedness

Pet Safety in Emergencies

American Veterinary Medicine Association

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health