Make a Plan

Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured, or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:

• Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
• Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
  • Find pet-friendly hotels​ along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
  • Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
  • Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
• Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
• Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
• Most boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger!

Build a Kit

Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable.

Your kit should include:

• Food (at least a three-day supply in an airtight, waterproof container).
• Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag, and a leash.
• Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets).
• Medicines.
• Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration, and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping).
• First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution, and a pet first aid reference book).
• Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down).
• Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach).
• A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics).
• Familiar items (treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet).