Plan for Penny
Pet Preparedness
General Tips
The best survival technique is to prepare a disaster plan ahead of time. If you are a pet owner, this plan must include your pets.
In the event of a disaster that requires your family to evacuate your home, whether for a day or a week, the best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too.
Pet-Owners should be aware that public shelters for people cannot accept pets due to health and safety regulations with the exception of service animals who assist people with disabilities.
So, the first thing you should do is identify pet-friendly shelters. Make a list, including phone numbers.
Some suggestions:
► Animal shelters
► Veterinarians and Pet Clinics
► Professional Boarding Kennels
► Pet-friendly motels
► Friends and relatives outside the affected area
Next, assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Your pets have daily needs just like we do. Keep these essential items in a portable container in an accessible place.
Your kit should include:
► Food, water and treats
► Food/water dish
► Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
► Medications and medical records
► Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
► Toys
► Pet-friendly list of shelters
Other considerations
► You may not be at home when an evacuation is ordered, so arrange for a neighbor to take your pets to a pre-arranged location. This person must be comfortable with your pets, know where the pet disaster supplies kit is located and have a key to your home. A pet-sitting service may be able to assist.
► Make sure each of your pets wears a collar with accurate identification tags at all times.
► Keep all of your pets current on their vaccinations.
► Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but must be transferred to more secure housing soon.
► Birds, house lizards and small mammals should be transported in a cage or carrier. Depending on weather, include a blanket or plant mister in your kit.
► If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. If possible, find a shelter location that allows your pet to remain with you.
It’s never too early to think about planning, and getting preparations in place ahead of time. While you’re working on your own plan, remember that minimizing evacuation time, if necessary, is crucial – so a ready-to-go traveling bag and pet first-aid kit should be handy and updated regularly.
We've prepared traveling bag lists so all you need to do is download and print copies.
Also, remember the importance of:
► Collars and tags with up-to-date identification information including name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs
► A pet’s name and owner’s contact information should be written on pet carriers
► Pets should be brought indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster
► Emergency kits, traveling bags and leashes should be stored as close to an exit as possible
Additional Resources
Here's the pet friendly Road Trip Planner: Pets Welcome.com
Here's the emergency safety net for animals: Red Rover
So, what's in the bag? Traveling Bag