Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pet

To ensure your household is safeguarded from the consequences of a disaster, it is crucial to have a disaster plan, which should incorporate provisions for your pets as well if you own any. Making necessary preparations can potentially preserve their lives.

Ensure that you are aware of a secure location to bring your pets.

If you need to leave your home due to a disaster, the most effective way to ensure the safety of your pets is to evacuate them with you. If it is not secure for you to remain there, it is likewise unsafe to abandon your pets.

Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

Ensure the safety of both livestock and companion animals.

Consider a precautionary evacuation of your animals, especially any large or numerous animals. Waiting until the last minute could be fatal for them and dangerous for you.
Where possible, move livestock to higher ground. If using a horse or other trailer to evacuate your animals, move sooner rather than later.
Bring your companion animals indoors and maintain direct control of them. Be sure that your pet emergency kit is ready to go in case of evacuation.

Help Pets Recover After an Emergency

After a disaster, it is possible for your pet to undergo significant changes in behavior, such as becoming aggressive or defensive. It is important to pay attention to their welfare and ensure their safety, as well as the safety of others and other animals, by protecting them from potential dangers.

Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control as fences and gates may have been damaged.
Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally allow them to find their home.
Be aware of hazards at nose and paw or hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers and other substances that might not seem to be dangerous to humans.
Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

When thinking about your family’s emergency supply kit, prioritize essential items like food and water. It is recommended to have two kits: a larger one for staying in one place and a lighter one for evacuations. Regularly review the contents of both kits, paying particular attention to the freshness of food and medicines.

Here is a suggested list of items that you might consider including in your pet’s emergency kit.

Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.

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

Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.

Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.

A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.

Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have animals like horses, goats, or pigs on your property, make sure to get ready ahead of a disaster.

As well as the tips mentioned earlier:

Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

Stay Informed

Here are some ways to stay informed: By being prepared and keeping yourself updated on current conditions.

Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.

Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.

Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.