Your pet should be a part of your family plan. If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in them being injured, lost, or worse.
Pet Supplies Kit:
- Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container).
- Make sure their vaccines are up to date and they're registered with the county you live in.
- Bring a carrier(s) to transport pets safely.
- Minimum 3-day supply of food, water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
- Current pet photos in case they get lost.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems.
- Name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
- Pet beds, towels, blanket toys and muzzle (if needed).
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and information is current.
Have a safe place to take your pets:
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets due to health and safety regulation. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find a shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead.
- Contact hotels and motels to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species.
- Pre-register at a boarding facility and check if they are open during a storm.
- If you plan to stay home, practice your hurricane drill with your pet. This includes introducing them to the “safe room” you will take shelter in during the storm.
- For example, don’t let the actual hurricane be the first time your dog or cat spends time in the walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom. Try everything – placing animals in their carriers, have them eat and drink in this room, etc.
When the storm approaches:
- Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
- Check your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
- Bring all pets into the house.
- Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and are securely fastened, with up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter.
For more information, call your local animal control office:
