Pet owners should include provisions for their pet in a household disaster plan. Please note that pets are not allowed in most shelters, except for service animals. Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.
PET EMERGENCY PLANNING TIPS:
- Contact friends or relatives outside your area to see if they would be willing to accommodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
- See if your veterinarian or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency.
- Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the disaster. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
- Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.
- Make sure each pet has an identification tag.
Assemble a "Pet Survival Kit" that can be ready to go if you are evacuating your pet to a kennel or to a family or friend's house. You should include:
- Water, food and containers.
- A leash / muzzle/ harness.
- A copy of all current vaccination and health records, license numbers and microchips numbers.
- Medication for your pet (if needed).
- A pet carrier or cage (a luggage carrier can be used to wheel the carrier around).
- Plastic bags for pick-up.
- Photo of your pet.