Pet Disaster Preparedness Plan From The ASPCA

Never Leave Your Pet Home Alone

The safest place for your pet is with you, so if you must evacuate, take your animals along.

Check Boarding Place

Make sure it’s not in a flood plain and will be attended throughout a storm. Ask if crates are available for transport and if they have an evacuation plan – and get their emergency contact number.

Ask For Help

If you live in a high-risk area, arrange ahead of time for you and your pet to ride out the storm with friends in safe zones. Or check with hotels in safe areas to see if they will permit you to stay there with your pet.

Have Carriers Ready

Make sure travel carriers are safe, the right size, and easily available. And make your pet’s carrier a fun and safe place throughout the year by adding treats, toys and meals on a routine basis.

Have Medication Plan Ready

Talk to your veterinarian about medication options if your pet is fearful of thunder or travel.

Prepare a Travel Kit

Include food, water, bedding, towels, medical supplies, bathing supplies, flea/tick control and leashes – and have enough of everything to last two weeks.

Provide Plenty of ID

Do not assume your owner tag will immediately reunite you with your pet. If your neighborhood is evacuated and phone lines are down, or your pet is lost during travel, it may be months before you are contacted. Include several forms of ID on your pet’s collar, including a temporary tag with the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area.

Microchip Your Pet

Make sure your chip is registered and that the contact information is updated. Keep current photos. Always have current photos of your pet with you – they can greatly aid in reuniting you with a lost pet. Report a loss immediately. If you become separated from your pet during a storm or evacuation, report it immediately to area humane societies, law enforcement and animal control agencies.

Volunteer

If you are untouched by a natural disaster, your volunteer time may be invaluable in helping those less fortunate.

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