Animals
Pets are often full-fledged family members, and your family emergency plan must include them to be truly complete. Service animals are especially important for many people with disabilities and the services they provide will be even more critical in emergency situations.
It is particularly important to include pet needs in evacuation planning, as many shelters will not be able to accommodate animals other than those assisting people with disabilities.
The best way to protect your pet from the effects of a disaster is to plan ahead for their needs, including a Pet Disaster Supplies Kit.
Prepare
- Make sure your pets all have licenses and ID tags
- Ask local animal shelters/clinics if they provide emergency foster care
- Arrange with neighbors to care for you pets if you are away from home
- Know your pets’ hiding places so you can find them quickly for evacuation
Response
- When disaster strikes, bring your pets inside immediately. Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often hide if they are afraid
- Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
- Transport pets in carriers or on leashes; they will feel more secure
- Keep a recent photo of your pets in case they get lost
Additional information is available at the following web sites:
