The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
Get Ready Now!
Remember that Emergencies Do NOT Happen Based on Your Schedule!
11 Steps to Pet Safety Preparedness
Step 1: Tag, Tattoo and/or Microchip your Pet.
In the event you are not in the company of your pet when disaster strikes, make sure that when you pet is
found you can be contacted. Adding a secondary caregiver's info might improve your chances of finding your pet if lost.
Pet Alert Sticker
Step 2: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker.
It will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers.If you
must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.
Don't let Shelter be a Drawer!
Step 3: Arrange a Safe Haven.
Note that Red Cross disaster shelters will NOT accept pets because of health and safety regulations,
so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets AHEAD of time. DO
NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!
Step 4: Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits.
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it
is.
Step 5: Choose “Designated Caregivers”.
He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access
to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual along with clear instructions of care. Get to know
where that individual would go should they be forced to evacuate or leave the premises.
Beware of Falling Debris
Step 6: Evacuation Preparation.
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone
for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead
to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster. REMEMBER: Emergency
Kits serve you best if ready BEFORE the emergency.
Step 7: Geographic and Climatic Considerations.
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or
floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
Visit our U.S. Emergency Management Agency Finder section to locate your state's and/or local emergency management agency. Please follow their instructions as they are most
familiar with your location and its risks.
Step 8: Stock Up on Pet Necessities.
Water for your pet(s), pet food, litter box (if your pet uses the litter), plastic bags (for trash),
newspapers & pet medication.
Step 9: Learn Which Emergency Shelter Allows Pets.
And learn the rules (they should have a form or handout available).
See the Sarasota Shelter Rules Example here below.
Step 10: Keep a Crate Per Pet. After Katrina, some shelters allow pets as long as they are crated. Remember however that these shelters will
be booked first. Find a crate NOW! If you need to find a crate click here.
As an alternative to a hard crate you might want to look into collapsable pop
up crate tents. These are easier to pack when in a rush and take almost no room! For more info click here.
Step 11: Keep your pets vaccinations
up-to-date.
Those shelters that accept pets will require proof of vaccinations. Keep records available in your Evac
Pack.
Step 12: Make some Room for your
Pets In Your Will/Testimony.
God forbid should something happen to you during that emergency, make sure that your pets will be taken
care of.
As of September 2006, some states provide pet owners with the possibility to create a Trust for their pets.
You can choose for a pet trust to take effect upon your death or any disability that prevents you from caring properly for
your pet. Although this alternative may seem extreme to some, it is now legal in some form in Arizona, California, Colorado,
Hawaii, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Check with your state attorney general or your local Humane Society to find out the status of the law in your state.
