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Pet owners should include provisions for their pet in a household disaster plan. Please note that pets are not allowed in most shelters, except for service animals. Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.

PET EMERGENCY PLANNING TIPS:

  • Contact friends or relatives outside your area to see if they would be willing to accommodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
  • See if your veterinarian or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency.
  • Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the disaster. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
  • Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.
  • Make sure each pet has an identification tag.

Assemble a "Pet Survival Kit" that can be ready to go if you are evacuating your pet to a kennel or to a family or friend's house. You should include:

  • Water, food and containers.
  • A leash / muzzle/ harness.
  • A copy of all current vaccination and health records, license numbers and microchips numbers.
  • Medication for your pet (if needed).
  • A pet carrier or cage (a luggage carrier can be used to wheel the carrier around).
  • Plastic bags for pick-up.
  • Photo of your pet.