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Disaster Preparation

Additional Resources

These sources can help:

An informational brochure is available from the Humane Society of the United States Disaster Center and the American Red Cross.
In case you can't stay at your home, you may need to find pet-friendly lodging. This websits updates yearly:
- www.petswelcome.com
Visit the Federal Emergency Management's Animals and Disasters (FEMA) page for their advice on how to prepare.

Read:

Staying Home?

If you stay at home during a natural catastrophe:

Locate rooms that offer safe havens.
Have plenty of fresh water (fill up bathtubs and sinks) and food.
In case of flooding, look for the highest location in your home with access to counters or high shelves where animals can take shelter.
Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Pets can become disoriented and get lost.
Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.

Simple Steps

Time is of the essence when you must evacuate your home in a crisis. Minimize evacuation time by taking these simple steps:

Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to your exit as possible or store it in your car.
Make sure all pets are collared with up-to-date information. Tags should contain your name, phone number and any urgent needs.
Microchip your pet. The shelter and Humane Society will do this for a small fee.
Bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for taking your pet with you.

Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit handy for your pet. This should include:

Pet first-aid kit and guide book.
Detailed instructions for each pet for animal care and rescue workers.
A list of hotels, motels, shelters, and/or boarding kennels that accept pets.
Contact numbers for family/friends outside of the potential disater area.
Crate or carrier with bedding.
Canned food with manual can opener or dry food.
Plastic bags and/or pee pads.
Disposable litter trays with litter, shredded paper, or paper toweling.
Disinfectant.
Pet feeding dishes.
Extra leashes, collars and/or harnesses.
Make sure all pets are wearing identification tags at all times.
Muzzles and/or gauze rolls.
Photocopies of medical records and an extra supply of any medicines your pet may need.
Copies of health certificates for all pets.
Bottled water to last for several days.
Blankets, towels, favorite toys.
Recent color photographs of your pets.

Safe Haven

Arrange for a safe haven for your pets - never leave them behind!

Contact your veterinarian for a list of boarding kennels.
Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
Ask friends or relatives outside your immediate area if they would take in your pet.
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 during an emergency.

About

In the case of a disaster, your pets are your responsibility. If you evacuate, you must evacuate your pet. Make plans for emergencies that include where to take your pet and how to supply your pet with the things that it needs.

Pet Resources