Small Animals

Small mammals
Rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, etc., should be transported in secure carriers.  Take bedding materials, food bowls, water bottles and exercise equipment.

Birds
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. 

• In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside.
  
• In warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird's feathers periodically.

Do not put water inside the carriers during transport.  Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content for your bird.

Birds should be kept in quiet areas and not allowed out of the cage in unfamiliar surroundings.  Give them fresh food daily.

Have photos available and leg bands on for identification. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change those frequently.

Amphibians
Use water-tight plastic bags, such as the ones used for pet fish transport, or plastic containers to transport amphibians.  It is best to place only one species or one specimen per container.  Small ventilation holes should be placed in the lid of the container.  Sand the inner surface of the holes to prevent injury to the animal.

For terrestrial or semiaquatic amphibians, use a tiny amount of water, or moistened paper towels, foam rubber, or moss for the bottom of the container.  For totally acquatic species, fill the plastic bag one third full of water, then inflate the bag with fresh air and close it with a knot or rubber band.  It is best to use the water the aimal was living in to minimize physiologic stress.

Care must be taken to monitor water and air temperature, humidity, lighting and nutrition during the time that the animal will be in the evacuation facility.  Housing at the evacuation facility should be consistent with that required by the amphibian.  Make sure the container is escape proof and placed away from areas of heavy traffic, loud noises and vibrations.

Reptiles
You can transport small pet reptiles using a pillowcase, a cloth sack or a small transport carrier.  Transfer your pet to a secure cage at the evacuation site as soon as possible.  Remember to include a water bowl for soaking, spray bottle for misting, heating pad, battery-operated heating lamp or other appropriate heat source, extra batteries, and appropriate handling gloves/supplies. 

 

 

Information from The American Veterinary Medical Association

 

« this page last modified 06/14/07 »