During the recovery stage of a disaster, the following activities must be coordinated:

1. Shelter Closures and Redistribution of Supplies

It is important that guidelines be developed to decide when closure is appropriate and how it will be done. This is often coordinated with the closure of human shelters. Animal shelters can usually be closed 48 hours following the closure of human shelters. Owners who need to make special arrangements can do so on a case-by-case basis. Guidelines on distribution of remaining supplies should be agreed upon by all responding groups. Also, a plan for the release of volunteers should be developed.

2. Removal and Disposal of Animal Carcasses

Guidelines should be developed for disposal of animal carcasses in a safe and timely manner. Some disposal methods have negative environmental impacts. You should check with the County Department of Environmental Health for specific restrictions. It may be helpful to develop a MOU with a local rendering company or crematoria to ensure their services following a disaster.

3. Unclaimed Animal Adoption or Euthanasia Procedures

Procedures for the adoption or euthanasia of unclaimed animals following a disaster should be developed and agreed upon. These should be consistent with local laws and the current procedures of sheltering groups involved.

4. Collection of Data
   In the recovery stage, data should be collected on the response activities. This data should include financial information about the response effort as well as damage assessment information.

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