Disaster Preparation for Pets

In an emergency, your pets will be dependent on you more than ever; therefore, your family must include them into your emergency plan to ensure their safety.  If you abandon your pets during times of crisis, they may become lost, injured or worse.  Don’t let your pets be an afterthought!  Incorporate your furry friends into your family’s preparedness plans today.

• Identify which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your pet during an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Make an evacuation plan for you and your pets. Not all shelters will accept pets, so plan for shelter options that will work for both you and your pets.
• Assemble an emergency kit for your pet.
• Make sure that your pets’ vaccinations are current and that they’re wearing collars with up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of diseases.

What goes in a Pet Emergency Kit?

• A pet carrier for each animal. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably.  Familiarize your pet with the carrier before you need to use it in an emergency.
• Food and water for three days
• Bowls and a manual can opener
• Medications
• Special needs instructions
• Up-to-date vaccination and medical records.
• Properly fitted collar with identification, license and rabies tags. Consider having your pet microchipped if you have not already done so.
• Picture of you and your pet together.
• Leash/muzzle
• First aid kit
• Plastic bags/litter for cleaning up after your pet
• Familiar items: favorite toys, treats and bedding