The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet
owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill,
you may have to evacuate your home.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to
evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in
their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave
your home. The Red Cross recommends the following:
Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets
- Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster
shelters. Service animals which assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red
Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of an
evacuation, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes!
- Contact hotels and motels outside your local area to check their policies on accepting pets and
restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency.
Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with your other disaster information and
supplies. If you are alerted to an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
- Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If
you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house
them separately.
- Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency;
include 24-hour phone numbers.
- Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster.
Animal shelters may be overwhelmed caring for the animals they already have as well as those
displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit:
- Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in
an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (a duffle bag or
covered trash containers, for example).
Your Pet Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include:
- Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't
escape.
- Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
- Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number
of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
- Pet bed or toys if easily transportable.
- Your Pet's microchip number.
Your Pet First Aid Kit Should Include:
- Sterile gauze pads (3" x 3" and 2" X 2") and gauze bandage rolls (1" and 2")
- First-aid adhesive tape, 1" roll
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
- Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
- Antibacterial ointment
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
- A current pet first-aid book
- Eyewash
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
- Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
- Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
- Latex gloves
- Extra Collar and Leash
- Thin rope
- Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
- Muzzle (even the most friendly pets may bite if afraid or injured.)
Know What To Do As A Disaster Approaches:
- Always have your pets Microchipped - it's painless and will ensure they can be returned to you.
- Some disaster warnings are issued days in advance. At the first sign, act quickly to protect your family.
- Call ahead to confirm emergency plans for you and your pets.
- Check to make sure your supplies are ready at a moment's notice.
- Bring all pets into the house and close them in their crates, or one room so they are easy to find.
- Make sure all pets are wearing securely fastened collars with tags clearly labeled with your contact
information. Attach any temporary tags with your new locations, or locations of your emergency
contacts in case you and your pets are separated.
- If you are not home when a disaster strikes, have a neighbor or trusted friend get your pets and meet
with you. Give this person an extra key to your home so they can quickly access your pets.
- Hard work and preparation before a disaster strikes will ensure the safety of your pets!
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