Pets add to our lives in countless ways and, in return, we are responsible for their safety and well-being. What would happen if a natural disaster strikes? It’s hard to think about worst-case scenarios but in an emergency, your pet will be even more dependent on you. You may already have a disaster plan for your family, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, and more, but have you considered what to do and what to have on hand to keep your pet safe? In the chaos of an emergency, you may not have time to call local hotels to ask if they accept pets or find a friend who can care for your pet if you need to be separated. If you aren’t able to leave your home for a long time, hurrying to pet stores for supplies may not be possible.
There are many ways your disaster plan can include your furry family members. Here are some things you can do ahead of time to help avoid making frantic calls after an emergency is already under way.
Microchips and Name Tags
Having cats and dogs microchipped and wearing collars with up-to-date identification tags increases your chances of being reunited with them if they get lost. Remember that you need to keep your registration and information up to date, especially if you move.
Buddy System
What if something happens while you’re away? You can prepare by asking a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend if they would be willing to check in on your pet. Plus, you can do the same for theirs. Add this caregiver to your emergency contact list as someone authorized to approve emergency medical care in your absence.
Vaccinations
Make sure all of your pets are current on their vaccines and have copies of those records available. Some shelters, hotels, clinics, and kennels that might temporarily house pets during disasters require vaccination records, and some may require vaccines that you haven’t given previously.
Hotel and Shelter List
Compile a list of boarding facilities, hotels, rescues, friend’s houses, and veterinary offices willing to shelter pets during natural disasters. Ask in advance about possible restrictions on number, size, and species. For hotels, inquire if a “no-pet” policy would be waived in an emergency. Keep this list of animal friendly places handy and call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that there will be vacancies.
Disaster Kit Items for Pets
Your disaster kit should include:
- Food and water for at least five days for each pet. People need at least one gallon of water per person per day, so be sure to account for your own needs on top of theirs. Your pet may not need that much, but keep an extra gallon on hand to use in case your pet has been exposed to flood waters and needs to be rinsed.
- Bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
- Vaccination records and medical history with a list of medications stored in a waterproof container with veterinarian contact information.
- A pet first aid kit: book on pet first aid, gauze, nonstick tape, pet shampoo, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, styptic powder (for small wounds), and activated charcoal (for poison exposure.) Many pet supply retailers sell pet first aid kits. Keep all items in your pet emergency kit up to date, especially the emergency contacts and vaccination records.
- Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop, and garbage bags.
- Leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets and ensure they can’t escape. Make sure your cat or dog is wearing a visible collar and identification tag. Remember that carriers need to be big enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. (They might have to stay there for many hours at a time.)
- Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions to help other people identify them in case you get separated—and to prove they’re yours when you’re reunited.
- Written information about feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
- A favorite toy for comfort and a familiar blanket for warmth, particularly for smaller pets, if easily transportable.
- Pet life jacket and paw protectors.
Don’t Leave Your Pet Behind
If you think you may need to evacuate, don’t wait for a mandatory order. Pets left behind in a disaster can easily be hurt, lost, or killed. Often, warnings are issued hours, and even days, in advance. Evacuating before conditions become severe will keep everyone safer and make it much more likely that you can take your pet with you. At the first hint of danger, act to protect your pet. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification. Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice. Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them in case you need to leave immediately. Include your pets in evacuation drills so they’re used to entering into and traveling in their carriers calmly.
If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other emergency at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc. Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones. Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure access to water during a power outage. In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home or to a room with access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter. Place emergency supplies in that room in advance. Have any medications, plus pet food and water, inside watertight containers. If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door, or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape. Close off small, unsafe spots where scared animals may try and hide. Move dangerous items like tools and toxic products stored in that area to another place in your home.
It’s a lot to take in and think about but, luckily, there are many great resources out there, including Ready.gov, The Humane Society of the United States, and the ASPCA to help you. The ASPCA also has a great disaster prep checklist for download.
These suggestions are primarily about dogs and cats. For tips on disaster planning for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles, or small animals such as gerbils and hamsters, please visit The Humane Society of the United States or Ready.gov.