Richland County, South Carolina

Richland County Logo

Navigation

  • Online Services

    Online Services

    Save time with our convenient online services.

    Find out more
    • Online Payments
    • Family Court Calendar
    • Business Service Center
    • GIS & Mapping
    • Online Data Services
    • Voters and Districts
    • Watch County Council Live
    • General Session Motion Rosters
    • Inmate Inquiry
    • Family Court Payment Inquiry
    • Public Court Records Search
    • Common Pleas Court Roster
    • Master In Equity Court Rosters
    • Summary Court Dockets
    • Locate a Lost Pet
    • Hazardous Material Registration
    • Business Personal Property Return
    • Vehicle, Real Estate, Business & Personal Tax
    • Property Value & Tax Estimate
    • Assessor Mailing Address Change
    • Assessor Legal Residence Application
    • Agricultural Real Property Application
    • Homestead Exemption Application
    • Estate Inquiry
    • Marriage License Inquiry
    • Marriage License Application
  • Residents

    Residents

    Find services, schools, and safety information.

    Find out more
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Housing
      • Home Ownership Assistance
      • Homeowner Rehabilitation
    • Information for Residents
      • Local Hospitals
      • Schools
      • Getting Around Richland County
      • Automobile Registration & Driver's License
      • Pet Licenses
      • Voter Registration
      • Jury Duty
      • Solid Waste & Recycling
      • Local Utility Providers
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Vector Control
      • Mosquitoes
      • Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes
      • Beekeeper Information
  • Businesses

    Businesses

    Competitive tax incentives make Richland County a great place to do business.

    Find out more
    • Doing Business with Richland County
      • Accounts Payable Information
    • Running a Business
      • Hospitality Tax Information
        • Taxable Items
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Forms
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
      • About Us
      • Solicitations
      • Announcements
      • Vendors
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government

    Government

    Access a complete listing of Richland County departments, committees, and courts.

    Find out more
    • Advisory Councils
      • Central Midlands Council of Governments
      • Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Control
      • Richland County Neighborhood Council
      • Solid Waste Advisory Council
      • Community Relations Council
    • Boards
      • Board of Assessment Appeals
      • Building Board of Adjustment and Appeal
      • Business Service Center Appeals Board
      • Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA)
      • Historic Columbia Foundation
      • Library Board of Trustees
      • Performing Arts Center Board
      • Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees
      • River Alliance Board
      • The Township Auditorium
      • Elections and Voter Registration Board
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2013
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2012
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2011
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes, & Actions - Prior Years
    • County Council
      • Clerk of Council
      • News
      • County Council Districts
      • County Council Members
        • Gretchen Barron
        • Jason Branham
        • Cheryl English
        • Paul Livingston
          • Paul Livingston Bio Part II
        • Jesica Mackey
        • Chakisse Newton
        • Derrek Pugh
        • Allison Terracio
        • Don Weaver
        • Tyra Little
        • Tish Dozier Alleyne
      • Strategic Plan
      • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Motions Search
    • Courts and Judicial System
      • Clerk of Court
        • General Sessions
        • Jury Information
        • Clerk of Court Staff
        • Common Pleas
      • Family Court
      • Magistrates
        • Magistrates Court Forms
      • Probate Court
        • Amy McCulloch, Probate Judge
        • Probate Court Divisions
          • Estate Division
          • Guardian & Conservatorship
          • Records Division
          • Marriage License
          • Commitment
        • Filing Fees
        • History
        • Workshops
        • Probate Terms
        • Probate Contacts
        • Forms
      • Public Defender
      • Solicitor
      • Master-in-Equity
    • Departments
      • Department Directory
      • Animal Care
        • Facts
          • About
          • Disaster
          • Info
        • FAQ
        • Licensing
        • Links
        • Cat Diversion
        • View Animals
      • Budget and Grants Management
        • Annual Budget Reports
          • Current Fiscal Year Reports
          • Prior Fiscal Years Reports
        • ARPA Grants Applications
      • Building Codes & Inspections
        • Plans Review
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contacts
      • Business Operations
        • Central Services
        • Finance
          • Accounts Payable Check Register
          • Reporting
          • ACFR Reports
          • Financial Transparency Reporting
          • Procurement Card Register
          • Annual Budget Reports
        • GIS & Mapping
        • Human Resources
        • Information Technology
        • Procurement
        • Register of Deeds
          • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Small Local Business Enterprises
      • Community Development
        • Community Development Programs
          • Homeownership
          • Homeowner Rehabilitation
          • Public Improvements
          • Stimulus Projects
          • Neighborhood Revitalization
        • CDBG Mitigation
        • Community Development News
        • Housing & Urban Development
          • Fair Housing
        • Quail Creek
      • Conservation
        • Soil & Water Conservation District
          • About
          • Natural Resources Conservation
          • Youth Education
          • Join Us
          • Conservation District News
          • Board Meetings
        • Conservation Commission
          • Richland County Heritage Tour
        • Pinewood Lake Park
          • Rules
          • Picnic Shelters
          • Fishing and Boating
          • Trails and Fitness
          • Demonstration Garden
          • Park History
          • Natural History
      • Executive
        • Administration
        • Ombudsman
        • Clerk of Council
      • Health & Social Services
      • Government and Community Services
        • Homeowners Associations
      • Grants
        • Accommodations Tax
        • Hospitality Tax
        • Community Impact Grants
      • Legislative
        • Legislative Delegation
      • Licensing & Registration
        • Animal Care
        • Business Service Center
          • BSC Online Services
          • Proposed Bag Ordinance
            • More Info for Residents
              • Take the Resident Survey
            • More Info for Businesses
              • Take the Business Survey
            • More Resources
            • Ordinance Timeline
            • Updates from County Council
            • Plastics and Recycling Q & A
        • Marriage License Inquiry
        • Planning & Development
        • Register of Deeds
        • Residential Rental Property Registration
      • OSBO
        • Home
          • About Us
          • Workshops & Events
          • News
        • Services
        • Resources
          • Ordinances
        • Steps
          • Is My Business Eligible?
          • Submit an Application
          • Certification Process
        • Contracting
      • Public Information Office
      • Public Safety
        • Animal Care
        • Coroner
        • Detention Center
          • PREA
        • Emergency Services
        • Richland County Sheriff's Department
        • SC Department of Public Safety
        • SC Law Enforcement Division
        • Victim/Witness Assistance
      • Public Works
        • GIS Public Works
        • Special Services
        • Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport (CUB)
        • Roads & Drainage Maintenance
        • Department Projects
        • Engineering
        • Solid Waste & Recycling
          • Curbside Pick-up
            • Recycling
            • New Account Set-up and Moving
            • Handicapped Service Options
            • Roll Cart Care
            • Household Garbage
            • Yard Waste
            • Bulk and Large Items
            • Evictions and Unwanted Items
            • Household Hazardous Waste
          • Drop-off Facilities
            • Residential and Commercial
            • Accepted Items
            • Transporting Loads
            • Illegal Dumping
            • Drop-off Locations
          • Solid Waste and Recycling Service Areas
        • Stormwater Management
          • Construction
          • Education and Public Involvement
          • Inspections
          • Monitoring
          • Ordinances
          • Capital Improvement Projects
        • Transportation Roadmap
          • Archive
      • Taxes
        • Pay Online
        • Treasurer
          • Tax Payment Options
          • Planned Payments
          • Frequently Asked Questions
          • Treasurer News
          • Treasurer News Archive
          • FLC Available Properties
          • Kendra L Dove
        • Assessor
          • Legal Residence Clarification
          • Agriculture Use Value
          • Classification of Property
          • Example of Appraisal Notice
          • How to Challenge Your Value or Assessment
          • Property Appraised by the SC Department of Revenue
          • Taxes & Fair Assessment
          • School Tax Credit
          • 2014 Reassessment Program
        • Auditor
          • Property
          • Tax Exemptions
        • Hospitality Tax
      • Utilities
        • Water
          • Water Rates Schedule
          • Water System Consumer Confidence Reports
        • Sewer
          • Industrial Pretreatment Rates Schedule
          • Sanitary Rates Schedule
        • Forms
        • Procurement
        • Learn
        • News
        • About
        • Service Area Map
        • Current Alerts
        • Development
        • Other Utility Providers
        • Billing & Service
          • Establish Service
          • Cancel Service
          • Billing Adjustment
          • Delinquent Accounts
          • Special Power of Attorney
        • Contact Us
      • Transportation Penny
        • Projects
      • Voter Registration & Elections
        • About Us
        • Elections
        • Election Results
          • 2017
          • 2018
          • 2019
          • 2020
          • 2021
          • 2022
          • 2023
          • 2024
        • Voter Registration
        • Outreach
        • Board of Directors
          • Board Information
            • Board Meeting - Agendas and Minutes
            • Board Meetings - Agendas and Minutes - Prior Years
        • Early & Absentee Voting
        • Election Workers
      • Planning & Development
        • Comprehensive Planning
        • Neighborhood Planning
          • RCNC
          • Grants
          • Master Plans
          • Events
          • Planning Month
        • Sustainability Planning
          • Accomplishments
          • News
          • Publications
          • Resources
          • Sustainability Tour
        • E-911 Addressing and Road Naming
        • Floodplain Management
          • FPBasics
          • DevReview
          • Mapping
          • Prep
          • Property
          • Drainage
          • Info
        • Land Development Code
    • Ordinances
      • Recently Approved Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
      • Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
      • Ad Hoc and Short Term Committees
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Administration and Finance Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Animal Care Advisory Committee
      • Development and Services Committee
        • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Discretionary Grant Fund Review Committee
      • Economic Development Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Employee Grievance Committee
      • Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Internal Audit Committee
      • Nulla Bona Committee
      • Rules and Appointments Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Transportation Penny Advisory Committee
    • Commissions
      • Airport Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
      • Conservation Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
        • Commission News
        • Natural Resources
          • Natural Resource Grants
          • Conservation Easements
          • Richland County Trail Map
          • Projects
        • Historic Preservation
          • Cemeteries
          • Historic Preservation Grants
          • Bailey Bill
          • Historic Site Inventory
          • Architectural Surveys
          • Projects
          • Historical Markers
          • Historic Preservation Plan
        • Partners
        • Commission Members
        • Richland County Heritage Tour
      • Convention Center Commission
      • East Richland Public Service Commission
      • Music Festival Commission
      • Richland County Recreation Commission
      • Riverbanks Park Commission
      • Elections Commission
      • Planning Commission
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
  • Visitors

    Visitors

    Part rustic natural beauty, part vibrant city scene - Richland County offers something for everyone!

    Find out more
  • About Richland County
  • Careers
  • News
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • FOIA
Menu Search

One-Call Response Center 24 Hours (803) 929-6000

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

This information was provided by The Human Society of the United States (HSUS). HSUS offers the following guidelines to aid local government managers involved in planning for emergencies; they can be adapted for community meetings, a locally produced brochure, or other educational efforts. For more information about disaster preparedness and pets, horses, and livestock, contact Disaster Services, The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St, NW, Washington, DC 20037; 202/452-1100; Web site, www.humanesociety.org.

Pets and Disasters: Why You Need to Be Prepared

Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills—disasters can strike anytime, any where. If you think you will never have to evacuate unless you live in a floodplain, near an earthquake fault line, or in a coastal area, you may be tragically mistaken. It is imperative that you make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets in any situation. In the event of a disaster, proper preparation will pay off with the safety of your family and pets.

There are steps that you can take to be better prepared to care for your pets in a disaster:

If You Evacuate, Take Your Pets The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take them with you. If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost, or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence.

  • If you leave, even if you think you may be gone only for a few hours, take your animals. Once you leave your home, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.  
  • Leave early—don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

Don't Forget ID

Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. It's a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area—if your pet is lost, you want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time

Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets, except for service animals, you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

  • Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of pet-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.  
  • Check with Mends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may have to be prepared to house them separately.  
  • Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.  
  • Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

If You Don't Evacuate

If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together.

  • Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification.  
  • Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies.

As the Disaster Approaches

Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings of hurricanes or other disasters may be issued hours, or even days, in advance.

  • Call to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.  
  • Bring pets into the house and confine them so you can leave with them quickly if necessary. Make sure each pet and pet carrier has up-to-date identification and contact information. Include information about your temporary shelter location. 
  • Make sure your disaster supplies are ready to go, including your pet disaster kit.

In Case You're Not Home

An evacuation order may come, or a disaster may strike, when you're at work or out of the house.

  • Make arrangements well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets and meet you at a specified location. Be sure that the person is comfortable with your pets, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept, and has a key to your home.  
  • If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

After the Storm

Planning and preparation will help you weather the disaster, but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere.

  • Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.  
  • For a few days, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. 
  • Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

Evacuation Planning: Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on nonperishables well ahead of time, add perishable items at the last minute, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

In your disaster kit, you should include:

  • Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book also is good to include.  
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you have taken shelter away from home. For smaller pets, be sure to have secure cages with no loose objects inside. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.  
  • Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove they are yours.  
  • Food and water for at least three days for each pet, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manual can opener.  
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.  
  • Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.  
  • Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.

Other Evacuation Tips:

  • All mobile home residents should evacuate at the first sign of a disaster.  
  • Evacuate to the safest location you can that is as close as possible to home. Long-distance evacuation can be a problem when highways are crowded.  
  • When planning for hurricanes, identify your evacuation zone and level to determine if and when you would have to evacuate. Be prepared for one category higher than the one being forecast because hurricanes often increase in strength just before making landfall.
  •  Your local humane organization or local emergency management agency may be able to provide you with information about your community's disaster response plans.

Have a question or concern?

Contact the Ombudsman
One-Call Response Center

  • Call: (803) 929-6000
  • Email: ombudsman
  Search

Government

  • Advisory Councils
  • Boards
  • County Council
  • Courts and Judicial System
  • Departments
    • Department Directory
    • Animal Care
      • Facts
        • About
        • Disaster
        • Info
      • FAQ
      • Licensing
      • Links
      • Cat Diversion
      • View Animals
    • Budget and Grants Management
    • Building Codes & Inspections
    • Business Operations
    • Community Development
    • Conservation
    • Executive
    • Health & Social Services
    • Government and Community Services
    • Grants
    • Legislative
    • Licensing & Registration
    • OSBO
    • Public Information Office
    • Public Safety
    • Public Works
    • Taxes
    • Utilities
    • Transportation Penny
    • Voter Registration & Elections
    • Planning & Development
  • Ordinances
  • Elected Offices
  • County ADA Compliance
  • Committees
  • Commissions

Find My District

Stay on top of issues affecting your area. District hearings, school closings, voting locations and more!

Get Started
Emergency Preparedness
Captcha
Email Address RequiredIncorrect Format
  • Home
    • About Richland County
    • Careers
    • News
    • Events
    • Contact Us
    • FOIA
  • Residents
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Housing
    • Information for Residents
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Vector Control
  • Businesses
    • Doing Business with Richland County
    • Running a Business
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government
    • Advisory Councils
    • Boards
    • County Council
    • Courts and Judicial System
    • Departments
    • Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
    • Commissions
  • Visitors

Richland County
South Carolina

Mailing Address
2020 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC 29201

Physical Address
2020 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29204

One-Call Response Center
24 Hours (803) 929-6000

ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov

More Information

  • Richland County ADA Compliance
  • Title VI Public Participation Plan
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Privacy Disclaimer
  • Sitemap

Follow us

Follow @RichlandSC

© Richland County, S.C. | Website by Cyberwoven