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--- Document: Prepare Your Pets for Disaster Document ---
FEMA Region 2 National Preparedness Division
August 2021 1
Prepare Your Pets for Disaster
Your pets are an important member of your family, so make sure to include them in your
family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected, follow these tips with your pets in
mind:
Make a Plan
Stay Informed
Build an Emergency Kit
Make a Plan
If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you may face less difficulty, stress, and worry when you
need to make decisions during an emergency. When local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your
pet should evacuate, too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse.
• Have an evacuation plan for your pet
o Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can
take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system
o Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for
or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped
o Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact
information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office
o Get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an
emergency.
Stay Informed
Be prepared by staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed:
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Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local
public safety officials.
•
Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
•
Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
Prepare Your Pets for Disaster
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Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five
different locations anywhere in the United States.
Build a Kit for Your Pet
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as
food and water. Make two kits—one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for
evacuation. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially food items and medications,
are fresh.
Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:
•
Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
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Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
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Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
container.
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First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency
medical needs.
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Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of
your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and
available electronically.
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Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
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Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush and other related items.
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Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic
trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
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A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an
emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow
others to assist you in identifying your pet.
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Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress
for your pet.
Tips for Large Animals
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Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
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Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
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Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal.
Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
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Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
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If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn
or turn them loose outside.