Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners

For more information on emergency preparedness, click on one of the items below:

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, pets are not allowed inside emergency shelters for humans due to public health and safety reasons. If you and your family need to evacuate to a public shelter during a disaster, you must plan in advance for the care of your dog or cat. Such planning could save your pet’s life.

Plan Ahead Before a Disaster Occurs:

  • Acquire a steel or fiberglass pet carrier (portable kennel) or crate for each pet.
  • Familiarize your pet with the carrier.
  • Be sure your pet’s vaccinations and medical records are written and up-to-date.
  • Be sure your pet wears a properly fitted collar with a current license tag, rabies tag and identification tag containing your name, animal’s name, address and phone number.
  • Have a leash on hand to maintain control of your pet.
  • Survey your home and determine the best location, away from windows if possible, to place your pet during an emergency. (A good choice is a utility room, bathroom, kitchen or other tiled area which can be cleaned easily.)
  • Decide where you might take your pet if it becomes necessary to leave your home during an emergency. Places you could contact are:
    1. Boarding kennels
    2. Veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities
    3. Friends and relatives
    4. Motels which allow pets

 

Opportunities to volunteer include becoming a CPR/first aid instructor or playing Fred, the Red Cross mascot.{pix}