Disaster / Emergency Preparedness

Preparation

Sep 9

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Your pets are part of your family. Therefore, they should be included in your emergency plan. Here are tips to prepare for the unexpected:

Make a plan.
Build an emergency kit.
Stay informed.

Make a Plan

Having a plan for you and your pets can reduce stress and anxiety in an emergency. If you are told to evacuate, your pets must evacuate with you. Leaving them behind could lead to them getting lost or hurt.

Things to include in your plan:

Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many shelters and hotels don't allow pets. Find a safe place for your pets before emergencies occur.
Develop a buddy system. Make a plan with neighbors, friends, or family to ensure someone can care for or evacuate your pets if you can't.
Have your pet microchipped. Keep your address and phone number current, and provide emergency contact information from outside your immediate area.
Reach out to your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control for advice on caring for your pet during an emergency.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Think about the basics for survival, like food and water, just as you would with your family’s emergency kit. Have two kits: a larger one for staying at home and a smaller one for evacuation. Check your kits regularly to make sure food and medicine are fresh.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

Food. Store a few days’ worth of food in a sealed, waterproof container.
Water. Keep a water bowl and enough water for several days.
Medicine. Store extra medicine for your pet in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Consult your vet about the best emergency care for your pet.
Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Bring a spare leash, collar, and ID tag. Keep copies of your pet’s registration and important documents and pictures in a waterproof case and also saved online.

Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.

Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner, and other cleaning supplies for your pet.

Sanitation needs. Provide pet litter, a litter box (if needed), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household bleach for your pet's hygiene.

A picture of you and your pet together. If you get lost from your pet in an emergency, a photo of both of you will prove ownership and help others identify your pet.
Pet Information. Details about your pets' feeding times, health conditions, behavior problems, and your veterinarian's contact information for boarding or fostering.

Familiar items. Include your pet's favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. These familiar items can help ease their stress.

Prepare Pets for Travel

When leaving your home, remember to take your pets. Since you might need to place your cat or dog in a carrier, ensure they are comfortable with it. Use these tips to help ease their stress.:

Leave the carrier in areas where your pet spends time.
Leave the carrier open
Feed them treats near the carrier – you can even try putting a few treats inside the carrier
Add a favorite blanket or small bed inside the carrier so it smells familiar
Make note of where your pets hide, so you can easily find them in case you have to leave your house quickly.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have pets like horses, goats, or pigs on your property, get ready before a disaster.:

Make sure all pets have identification.
Evacuate animals as soon as you can. Plan main and backup routes ahead of time.
Provide vehicles and trailers for transporting animals and skilled handlers and drivers for support.
Make sure places have food, water, vet care, and tools for handling.
If evacuation isn't possible, pet owners must choose to either take large animals to a barn or let them go outside.