Pet Emergency Preparedness

Prepare Your Other Family Members - Your Pets!

Develop and implement your family's emergency plan for your pets. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!

A "Pet Emergency Kit" should contain the following items:

• At least three days of food, water and any medications your pet may need
• Vet/vaccination records
• Collars, IDs, harnesses and/or leashes
• Pictures of you and other family members with your pets
• Sanitation kit (pet litter, litter box, scoop, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
• First Aid kit (talk to your vet about what is appropriate for your pet, e.g. cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea & tick prevention, latex gloves, etc.)
• Have a carrier or crate ready that your pet is comfortable with for safe transportation. The carrier should be large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

If you have enough notice, prepare an alternate home for your pet. Pay attention to news briefs and weather updates. Know which local motels/hotels will accept pets, or which boarding facilities accept pets during emergencies.

For more information, see "Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense," a brochure offered by the Department of Homeland Security.