How to Plan for Your Pets
Pets can present a special challenge during disasters, so you must plan ahead for your pets’ safety.
- Monitor pet behavior: Stress can cause erratic pet behavior, even if your animal is usually calm and trustworthy. If you have multiple pets, keep them separated from one another.
- Keep tabs on pets: Animals have a keen sense of weather and often hide when severe weather approaches. If weather threatens, keep your pets close to you so that they don’t disappear.
- Don’t leave pets at home: Leaving your pet at home is the worst option for your pet. But if you absolutely cannot evacuate your pet to a safe place, follow these instructions:
- Confine your pet to a safe area inside your home. Never leave your pet chained outside.
- Provide plenty of food and water. Remove the toilet lid, raise the seat, and brace the bathroom door open so that your pet has access to more water if necessary.
- Place a visible notice outside your home providing information about where your pets are located and how you and your vet can be reached.
Plan Where to Board Your Pet
For health reasons, the only animals allowed in shelters are service animals for those with disabilities. Do some research ahead of time to set up other shelter possibilities for your pet. Look into the following places and make a list.
- Pet-friendly hotels and motels
- Friends and relatives outside the area
- Boarding facilities/veterinarians
- Animal shelters
Evacuation notices often come hours or days in advance. Once a warning is issued, call to confirm shelter arrangements. Also, make sure that your pets are wearing up-to-date tags. If you know the contact information for your pet’s temporary shelter, tape it to the back of the pet’s tag or add another temporary tag to their collar.
Assemble a Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
If you have to evacuate, you’ll need pet supplies. Keep them in an easy-to-carry container that’s stored in an accessible place. Your kit should include:
- Food, water, bowls, and a can opener
- Any leashes, harnesses, or carriers that will ensure your pet’s safety during transport
- Cat litter and pan
- Medications and medical records
- Information about feeding schedules, medical conditions, or behavior problems—include the name and phone number of your veterinarian
- Current photo of your pet in case it gets lost
