Pet Preparedness Month: Make Pets Part of Your Emergency Plans

Your pets depend on you to keep them safe during a disaster

When developing an emergency plan for your household, don’t forget to include your pets. While it is critical to plan on how to keep members of your household out of harm’s way, it’s equally important to plan for your pets, who are totally dependent on you for their safety and well-being. The American Red Cross has steps you can follow to help keep your furry family members safe during a disaster.

CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN Know a safe place to take your pets. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.

• Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters. When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably. However, depending on the situation, domesticated pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house your pets separately. 
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

PET EMERGENCY KIT Place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
• Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container. A first aid kit.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• 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.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Visit here for more information, including preparing for livestock and pet preparedness safety checklists in as many as nine different languages.

Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace.

Get everyone ready now ─ your loved ones and pets ─ so they will know what to do and where to go if a disaster occurs.