What To Do With Your Pets in a Natural Disaster

Disaster preparedness is important to help ensure you and your family remain safe during a disaster. If you have pets, make sure your planning includes them. Here are some tips to help you keep your four-legged friends safe during a disaster.

Sheltering in Place

If sheltering at home with your pet is your only option, take these steps:

• Dogs can sense stress and fear, so try to remain calm.

• Select a safe room, preferably in a basement or an interior room with no windows.

• Bring your pet’s favorite bed or blanket.

• Remove any chemicals or plants that could be harmful to animals.

• Close off areas where small pets could hide and get stuck (e.g., vents, underneath furniture).

• Dogs can get restless in confined spaces, so have favorite toys to keep them stimulated.

• Make sure your dog has an area to relieve itself; keep cleaning supplies handy in case of an accident.

Make an Evacuation Plan

Your pets depend on you for their safety and well-being. If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either.

• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.

• Have securely-fastened collars with ID tags on your pets, including your address and phone number.

• Most emergency shelters will not accept pets — other than service animals — because of health and safety concerns and other considerations.

• Become familiar with hotels and motels along your evacuation route that will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate.

• Prepare a list with contact information of friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters, or veterinarians who can care for your animals in an emergency.

• Microchip identification helps ensure that you and your pet can reunite if separated. Be sure the microchip registration is current and includes a friend or relative’s name and contact information in addition to yours.

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit

Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily. Your kit should include:

• Strong leashes, harnesses, and pet carriers for safe transport.

• A one-week supply of food and drinking water; have bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener for canned food.

• Liquid soap to wash food/water bowls, paper towels, and disinfectant to clean carriers.

• Medications and copies of medical records in a waterproof bag or container.

• A pet first aid kit with items such as absorbent gauze pads and rolls, bandages, emollient creams to treat skin irritations, antiseptic wipes, latex gloves, and a muzzle (since a frightened dog is more likely to bite).

• Photos of you and your pet to prove ownership in the event you are separated.

• Pet bed and toys.

• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

• Plastic bags or other means of disposing of your dog’s waste.

References:

• The Humane Society of the United States Make a disaster plan for your pets | The Humane Society of the United States

• American Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | American Red Cross

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Pet Safety in Emergencies | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC

• American Kennel Club Sheltering in Place With Your Dog During an Emergency or Disaster (akc.org)