By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
Carmine DiCenso is the executive director at Dakin Humane Society and oversees all aspects of the organization’s work at its two adoption centers in Springfield and Leverett, MA., bringing experience from a distinguished career in both animal welfare and human services to the position. Prior to joining Dakin, he served as executive director for the Providence (RI) Animal Rescue League, and was a program director at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), as well as a manager at the Animal Rescue League, both of Boston.
In addition, DiCenso serves as a member of the board of directors for the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA), a national professional network that develops and promotes industry best practices and cultivates collaboration.
Prime reached out to DiCenso and asked how people can best prepare to take care of their pets in a disaster or other type of emergency. Here’s his advice:
Q: Families have emergency plans, but what about one for the family pets? What steps should owners take to plan for power outages, storms, other disasters?
“One wise thing to do in advance is identify what will be a safe haven for you and your pet. If you want to stay with friends or family, be sure they will be able to take in your pet as well. The next step would be to create an emergency kit for your pets and have it handy at all times. Don’t assume that the period of evacuation will be brief … plan for the possibility that you may be out of your home longer than originally anticipated.
“The basic components for a cat/dog emergency kit would be food and fresh water to last three to seven days; any medications they need; disposable litter trays and litter; a travel bag, crate or carrier (one for each animal if they can’t share one) and their toys.
“It’s also a good idea to take some photos of your pets and have them handy in case you’re separated. Plus, always be sure that your pets have ID tags on them that display your cell phone number so you can be contacted right away.”
Q: How might emergency plans – and kits – differ for other types of pets such as fish, reptiles or birds?
“When it comes to fish, your emergency kit should include a battery-operated air pump (in case of a power outage – and be sure to have extra batteries on hand!), a weekend feeder that can feed your fish if you’re away for a specified period of time, and a 5-gallon bucket in case your tank cracks or you have to transport your fish in a crisis. Other things to think about include an emergency power generator, a quarantine tank, any medications needed, a net, a blanket to wrap the aquarium during a power outage in cold weather, an extra tank heater, and a water test kit.
“An emergency kit for a pet reptile should have non-perishable reptile food, water, heat packs, a battery-operated mister fan, non-toxic baby wipes for cleaning and paper towels.
Because reptiles are cold-blooded, you want to be sure you are keeping them warm, but not too warm, so it’s a good idea to know the temperature threshold for the species you have.
“To help pet birds through an emergency, have a supply of food to last several days, water for cleaning or drinking, a cuttle bone or beak conditioner, cleaning supplies and paper towels, extra seed bowls and water containers, a heavy towel to wrap around a cage for warmth, an evacuation cage for transporting, and that staple of all emergency kits, a flashlight and extra batteries.”
Q: After a disaster, what steps should a pet owner take to keep their animals safe?
“If you haven’t already done so, get your dog or cat microchipped. Your veterinarian can provide this service, or you can bring your dog or cat to Dakin’s weekly Vaccine and Microchip Clinic, which takes place every Saturday at our Springfield Adoption Center, located at 171 Union St. in Springfield, MA, beginning at 9 a.m. If your address or phone number has changed, be sure to update the microchip company with your new information.”
