Pet Preparedness

Planning ahead for pets can save both of your lives. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning for your pets:

Dog in woods

 

Create an Emergency Kit

  • Help your pets prepare by creating a kit just for them.
  • Include important items including:
    • 3-day supply of food and water with bowls;
    • Medication;
    • Crate or carrier with a leash;
    • Bathroom essentials including litter box or potty pads;
    • Toys and treats; and
    • Important documents such as vaccination records.   
       

Identification

  • Make sure your pets are microchipped and always wear an ID tag;
  • Include your veterinarian on your emergency contact list; and
  • Take a picture of you and your pet together to serve as proof of ownership if you are separated.

Evacuation

  • Know your evacuation route and a backup route in case there are road closures or traffic;
  • Plan for how you will evacuate with your pet(s) and practice it with them including getting in and out of the car quickly;
  • Make a list of pet-friendly hotels/motels or boarding facilities to keep in your pet go-kit; and
  • Arrange ahead of time for friends or relatives to evacuate your pet if you are not home.

Shelter-in-place

  • Identify where you can shelter-in-place in your home;
  • Practice sheltering in place with your pet to help reduce stress and anxiety during an emergency; and
  • Bring extra toys or treats to provide familiarity during a scary situation.
Woman posing with Cow

Don’t forget about your livestock! Here are some tips for planning for livestock and larger animals:

Evacuation 

  • If instructed by local officials, evacuate animals ahead of the storm if possible;
  • Identify primary and secondary evacuation routes;
  • Have a way to obtain vehicles and trailers needed for transporting each type of animal;
  • Train your animals to load into the vehicles or trailers; 
  • Keep vaccination/testing records in a go-kit; and 
  • Be sure your destination facility has or can obtain sufficient feed.

Sheltering-in-Place

  • Leave a large open container of water that cannot be toppled over; 
  • Freeing animals may be necessary in the event of severe weather or forest fire. Do not tie or cage animals in this situation; and 
  • Ensure that each animal is branded or has identification securely attached.

Resources

Videos