Pet owners need to prepare for their pet’s protection during a disaster. Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations, except for service animals. Know ahead of time where you are going to take your pet if, and when, you evacuate your home. Possible locations are: “pet friendly” hotels and motels, friends and relatives outside the area, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and animal shelters. If advance disaster warnings are issued, leave early, and find shelter for your pet. If conditions will be unsafe for you, they will also be unsafe for your pet.
Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Consider including:
- one-month supply of regular medications
- vaccination and other medical records sealed in a plastic bag
- first aid kit
- molded plastic pet carrier labeled with your contact information
- pet bed
- leash and collar or harness
- one-week supply of food
- can opener
- bottled water
- food bowls
- cat litter
- litter pan
- plastic bags for waste disposal
- pet toys and blanket
- supplies to keep your pet clean, dry, and warm
Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tag with up-to-date information.
Photograph your pet with you and keep the photograph with other important documents in a plastic bag.
For further information, go to ready.gov or contact the American Red Cross, your local Humane Society, SPCA, or public health department.