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

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 25, 2022) — National Dog Day is Friday, Aug. 26, and to celebrate, the American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging pet owners to create a disaster preparedness plan for their dogs and other pets. That’s because if a family needs to evacuate in a disaster, so do the family pets – and a plan needs to be in place.

“Dogs and other pets are an important part of any family, so it is equally important to include them in the family emergency preparedness plan,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “For example, many hotels and shelters do not accept animal guests other than service animals. In fact, most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns – only service animals are allowed.”

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 to bring attention to the plight of animals around the globe and encourage adoption with an annual day of recognition, Aug. 26. The Red Cross is dedicating National Dog Day to making sure pets are included in family emergency plans. “The time to prepare for your pets during a disaster is now,” stressed Ruster, “before a disaster happens.”

The Red Cross offers five simple tips for preparing family pets for an emergency evacuation:

1. Include your pets in evacuation drills so they become used to entering and traveling calmly in carriers.
2. Consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian, and make sure the collar tag identification information is up to date.
3. Pets should have their own emergency kit that includes a sturdy leash, harness, or carriers to transport them safely and to ensure they cannot escape.
4. Include pet food, water, a bowl, a pet bed, and pet toys.
5. 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 can be waived in an emergency.)

DOWNLOAD THE APP
Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for veterinary advice and to keep everyday pet emergency treatments at hand. The app features videos, quizzes, step-by-step advice on pet first aid, and emergency preparedness information. Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

TAKE THE COURSE
People can access the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course on their desktop or tablet. The interactive course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and includes:

• How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so that owners can notice if there are any irregularities
• Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure
• Information on preventive care, health, and pet well-being

Learn more about pet disaster preparedness at redcross.org/pets

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.