Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2025) — June is Pet Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross is urging people pet owners to consider their animals’ safety in all travel plans.
As many travel this summer, it is important to remember that dogs and cats should be appropriately contained or harnessed during car rides and never left alone in a parked car.
If traveling with your pet on an airplane, consult the airlines’ guidelines and ensure you have the necessary paperwork and vaccine records that may be required. Additional travel tips can be found at RedCross.org/pettravelsafety.
However, pet safety extends beyond typical travel as summer also sees a rise in natural disasters and inclement weather. To ensure the safety of all pets, the Red Cross offers a variety of resources to include your pets in emergency plans.
“When preparing for emergencies, it’s essential to plan for every member of your household, including pets,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our pets rely on us for their safety, and no emergency plan is complete without considering their needs. Including them ensures your whole family is protected.”
Tips for Handling Family Pets during Emergency Evacuations
The Red Cross recommends including pets in regular evacuation drills to relieve stress and allow the animals to adjust to traveling in their carriers. Consider microchipping your pets at your veterinarian’s office and keep all ID information up to date.
When building out your family’s emergency kit, take inventory of the items your pets may require. This should include a means of transporting the animal such as a carrier, harness or leash as well as pet food, water and a bed or blanket.
More Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe
The Red Cross Pet First Aid App features videos, quizzes, and step-by-step instructions for pet first aid administration and emergency preparedness guidance. The app features standard veterinary advice for everyday injuries and pet emergencies. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
The Red Cross also offers a Cat and dog first aid course available on a desktop or tablet. This interactive course takes less than 30 minutes to complete and includes:
Take the course today at RedCross.org/PetFirstAid.
Pet Disaster Preparedness Resources
The Red Cross guide is primarily for 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
