Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (June 12, 2026) — A new $2.8 million grant from PetSmart Charities will help the American Red Cross expand pet-friendly sheltering and preparedness resources for families with pets in Utah and across the country.

June is Pet Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross of Utah is reminding families to make sure pets are part of their emergency plans. For many families, that planning matters more than people realize. According to PetSmart Charities, 90% of pet parents say they would not leave home in an emergency if they could not take their pets with them.

“Families should not have to choose between getting to safety and protecting their pets,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “This grant will help the Red Cross expand sheltering options, supplies and preparedness resources so families with pets have the support they need if they must leave home quickly during a disaster.”

How the Grant Will Help
PetSmart Charities began supporting Red Cross work with families and pets in 2022 through an initial three-year grant of $2.25 million. The new $2.8 million grant builds on that commitment and will help the Red Cross expand services for families with pets in Utah and across the country.

The funding will support:

• Shelter supplies to help Red Cross-run shelters better serve families with pets.
• Pet comfort kits with basic items such as slip leads, food and water bowls and toys or activities to help reduce stress.
• Assistance with pet-related expenses while families are in shelters, hotels or temporary housing, or as they move toward longer-term recovery.
• Pet preparedness education to help families plan for emergencies and find shelter information through the Red Cross Emergency App.
• Disaster training, readiness and technology updates, including improvements to Red Cross systems that identify shelters able to support pets.

Create a Pet Emergency Plan
Emergency plans should include every member of the household, including pets. The Red Cross encourages pet owners to identify pet-friendly places to stay, keep emergency supplies ready and make sure pets have updated identification tags.

A pet emergency kit should be kept in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container with food, water, medications, copies of vaccination and medical records, leashes or carriers, waste supplies, a familiar toy or blanket and a current photo of each pet. More information about creating a pet emergency plan and pet emergency kit is available at redcross.org/pets.

Red Cross Apps Can Help Pet Owners
The free Red Cross Pet First Aid App helps owners respond when a cat or dog is sick or injured, with guidance for emergencies such as choking, bleeding, seizures and breathing problems. It also includes information on pet emergency supplies, when to call a veterinarian and how to find pet care facilities or pet-friendly hotels.

The free Red Cross Emergency App provides weather alerts, preparedness information and details about open Red Cross shelters, including whether a shelter is pet friendly. Both apps are available by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

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.