Be Prepared with a Disaster Plan

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 and give you great peace of mind.

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.

• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check 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 other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of 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.
• Prepare 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 in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened 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 (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• 2-week supply of food (dry & canned)
• 2-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs
• Batteries (flashlight, radio)
• Cage/carrier (for each animal, labeled with your contact information)
• Can opener (manual)
• Cat/wildlife gloves
• Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
• Emergency contact list
• Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
• First aid kit (see First Aid Kit page)
• Flashlights
• Information on feeding schedules and routine
• Instructions
• Leash, collar, harness (for each animal)
• Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
• Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road closures)
• Muzzles (dog or cat)
• Newspaper (bedding, litter)
• Nonspill food and water dishes
• Paper towels
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable
• Radio (solar and battery operated)
• Spoon (canned food)
• Stakes and tie-outs
• Trash bags
• Diet: Record the diet for each individual animal, including what not to feed in case of allergies
• Medications: List each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills. Store in a waterproof container

  Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

List of Important Emergency Contacts

Prepare this list now before a disaster strikes. Include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers, if available. These contacts can be used by rescue personnel responding to a disaster affecting your animals or by you during a disaster or an evacuation. Keep one copy near your telephone and one copy in your animal evacuation kit.

• Numbers where you may be reached (pager, cell phone, work phone)
• Your prearranged evacuation site
• Local contact person in case of emergency when you are not available
• Out-of-state contact person in case the disaster is far reaching in your locale
• Your veterinarian
• Your Pet Sitters
• Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
• Boarding facility (local)
• Boarding facility (30-90 miles away)
• Hotels that allow pets (90 mile radius)
• Local Animal Control
• Local Police Department
• Local Fire Department
• Local Public Health Department
• Local Animal Shelter
• Local Red Cross Chapter
• Local Humane Society
• Local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• United States Department of Agriculture Missing Pet Network (www.missingpet.net)

After the Disaster

• Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards
• Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and this can confuse your pets
• Your pets may be scared, reassure them with lots of attention and love
• Try to remain calm as your pets will sense that you are upset
• Just as soon as you can get back into your pets routine the easier the transition will be for them
• If you and your pets have been separated and as soon as it is safe for their return bringing them home as will make their adjustment time easier
• Keep an close eye on your pets as they may be skittish for a period of time
• Make sure you contact your family and friends to assure them you and your pets are safe and or back at home
• Give a few extra tummy rubs, head pats, hugs and kisses to let your pets know that they are truly loved