Animal Disaster Emergency Tips for Pets

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Your pets and disaster preparedness

Everyone with pets should have a disaster plan in place for their animals in the event of a disaster or emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that pets should not be left behind.

Have a portable pet disaster supplies kit

This kit should include:

All medical records, including proof of vaccination and prescriptions, in a waterproof container
First aid supplies
Medications if needed
Information on feeding schedules and diet requirements
Description of any medical conditions or behavior problems
Name and phone number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely
Food and water
Bowls
Can opener and spoon if needed
Cat litter/pan/scoop
Toys
Bedding

Make sure your pets are properly identified

Make sure identification tags, including licenses, are up to date and are securely fastened on your pet’s collar
If your pet has a microchip (electronic identification), keep the information with the medical records in your pet emergency supplies kit
Have recent photographs of your pets with the medical records in case the animals get lost

Have a safe place to take your pets

Remember: Red Cross and other public shelters often cannot accept pets because of state health and safety regulations.

Keep a list of “pet friendly” places
Ask hotels and motels if their “no pets” policy can be waved in an emergency
Ask friends, relatives and others outside the affected area if they could shelter your animals
Keep a list with 24-hour phone numbers of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency
Animal shelters may be already overburdened caring for animals, so this should be a last resort