How to Prepare?
Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it's unsafe for you, it's unsafe for them.
- Never leave your pets behind during an evacuation. They may not survive on their own, or you may not be able to find them when you return.
- If you’re not home when disaster strikes, have a trusted neighbor or nearby friend who can evacuate your pets for you.
Research pet-friendly hotels/motels along your evacuation route:
- Call ahead for reservations.
- Ask if no-pet policies can be waived in emergencies.
- Keep a list of pet-friendly accommodations, including phone numbers, in your emergency kit.
- Consider making arrangements with friends or family members who live outside your immediate area.
- Identify pet-friendly shelters in your area before a disaster occurs.
- Contact your local emergency management office for information on pet-friendly shelters.
Be aware that most Red Cross shelters can’t accept pets (except service animals) due to health and safety concerns.
Prepare a list with phone numbers of:
- Friends/relatives who can care for your animals
- Boarding facilities
- Animal shelters
- Veterinarians
- Pet-sitting services
Keep this list in your emergency kit and on your phone.
Be prepared to house your animals separately if necessary.
- Some evacuation shelters may require pets to be housed in a separate area.
- Ensure you have proper carriers or crates for each pet.
Include pets in evacuation drills to familiarize them with carriers.
- Practice loading your pets into their carriers calmly and quickly.
- Take short car rides with your pets in their carriers to get them used to travel.
Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce disease spread.
- Ensure pet vaccinations are current and all dogs/cats wear collars with up-to-date ID.
- Keep copies of vaccination records and pet’s medical records in a waterproof container in your emergency kit.
- Consider getting a GPS tracker for your pet’s collar for added security.
Consider having your pet "microchipped" by your veterinarian.
- Microchips provide permanent identification if a collar is lost
- Register the microchip and keep your contact information current
What to Do?
Assemble a portable pet emergency kit with:
- Sturdy leashes, harness, and carriers
- Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, manual can opener
- Medications and waterproof-stored copies of medical records
- First aid kit
- Current photos of you with your pet(s)
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems
- Veterinarian’s name and contact number
- Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable
- Waste bags, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach for sanitation
Store items in sturdy, easily carried containers in an accessible place.
- Use waterproof containers or bags to protect items.
- Label the container clearly and include your pet’s name and your contact information.
As disaster approaches:
- Act at the first hint of disaster.
- Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order; leave early if possible.
- Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements.
- Ensure all pets wear collars with up-to-date ID.
- Check that pet disaster supplies are ready for immediate departure.
- Bring pets inside for quick retrieval if evacuation is necessary.
- If you must leave your pets behind, leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.
Note: Warnings are often issued hours or days in advance. Stay informed through local news, emergency alert systems, and official social media channels.
After the Disaster
Be aware that pet behavior may change dramatically after a disaster:
- They may become aggressive or defensive.
- Monitor their well-being closely.
- Protect them from hazards to ensure safety of people and other animals.
- Be patient with your pets as they may be confused or frightened.
Watch animals closely and keep them under direct control. Fences and gates may be damaged.
- Use leashes or carriers when outside, even if your pet is normally well-behaved.
- Be aware of downed power lines, contaminated water, and debris that could harm your pet.
Pets may become disoriented: Disaster may affect scent markers they use to find home.
- If your pet is lost, contact local animal control and shelters immediately.
- Post lost pet notices and check lost and found listings regularly.
Be aware of hazards at nose, paw, or hoof level:
- Debris
- Spilled chemicals
- Fertilizers
- Other substances that might not seem dangerous to humans
Check your yard thoroughly before allowing pets outside.
Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
Your vet may recommend behavior modification techniques or medication to help your pet cope with stress.
Gradually reintroduce your pet to their normal routine:
- Start with short periods of time in familiar surroundings.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and their regular diet.
- Spend extra time with your pet to reassure them and monitor for any health issues.
Remember, your pets depend on you for their safety and well-being. Including them in your emergency plans helps ensure that they’ll be cared for when disaster strikes. Regular practice and updates to your disaster plan will help keep you and your pets prepared for any emergency situation.
Source and Additional Links:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
ASPCA: Disaster Preparedness
Last modified: August 25, 2024
