Plan and Prepare for Your Pet’s Safety in a Disaster

We’ve all seen those heart-wrenching news reports after natural disasters: pets separated from their owners, left to fend for themselves. It's a scenario no pet owner wants to imagine.

But here's the good news: Prevention through planning can go a long way in keeping our furry friends safe. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and the cusp of hurricane season is a great time to serve as a reminder that emergency planning for natural disasters and other emergency situations is as important for your pet as it is for your family.

Make a Plan for Your Pet

An ASPCA survey from 2021 revealed that 83 percent of pet owners live in an area affected by natural disasters. More than 20 percent of pet owners have had to evacuate their homes due to an emergency or weather event. More alarming, nearly half of those pet owners left at least one pet behind and nearly 40 percent did not return to their homes for at least four days. Whether you must evacuate your home or need to shelter in place, there is a chance you and your pet may become separated. As you make a plan, prioritize these four steps:

1. Find a safe place to take your pet if you need to evacuate. Some shelters and hotels do not allow pets. Also, if you have more than one pet, you may need to house them separately. Go wide and search for locations at least an hour away, as well as those close to home. Proof of vaccinations is required at many shelters (see step 3).

2. Partner and plan with trusted friends, neighbors and relatives to harbor or evacuate your pets if needed. Partnering with others might require reciprocity, which is also a consideration. Keep potential caregivers apprised if plans change.

3. Gather your pet’s medical records and make copies for emergency travel. Ideally, microchip your pet for reliable access to information. Make sure your phone number and address are up to date. Include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area as well.

4. Make a list of local animal control shelters to contact if you and your pet are separated.

Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet

In case of hurricane, tornado or a storm-related disaster, your pet will need their own emergency kit covering basic needs and pet-specific requirements, such as medical care. The most important items recommended for the kit are:

• Food – Keep several days’ worth in an airtight, waterproof container.

• Water – Make sure you include a water bowl and several days’ supply.

• Medicine – If your pet needs medicine regularly, store an extra supply in a waterproof container.

• First aid materials – Include bandages or wraps and ointments for your pet if needed. Consult your veterinarian if unsure.

• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash – Even if your pet currently wears a collar, a backup collar and additional leashes may be needed.

• Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier for each pet. Write the pet’s name and your contact information on each carrier.

• Grooming items – Your pet may need cleaning. Pack items such as pet shampoo and towels for messy environments.

• Sanitation needs – Include trash bags, paper towels, household cleaning supplies, and litter/litter box for cats.

• A picture of you and your pet together. Who would have thought a selfie could save a bad situation? This can help with identification and even proof of ownership if you and your pet are separated.

• Familiar items – Anything that might help reduce stress for your pet, including toys, treats and bedding.

Post-Planning Actions

• Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse evacuation plans with your pets. Help them get used to entering their carriers and traveling.

• Keep current on your pet's vaccinations and any other medical care needed.

• Consider getting a rescue alert sticker that you can display on your front door or window, alerting rescue workers to the presence of pets.

Resources

There are many helpful websites, apps and resources available online to help you plan for your pet’s safety during natural disasters and other emergency events:

Red Cross Pet First Aid app

Ready.gov Pets and Animals Preparedness page

GoPetFriendly.com has a useful section on pet evacuation

FEMA app to get weather alerts.

Natural disasters may be unavoidable, but a tragic or stressful outcome for your pet is not. Preventive measures and proactive planning can mitigate the worst of situations. Do your pet – and yourself – a favor and make a sound emergency plan this month.