Have a Plan

Make Plans Now to Protect Animals in Emergencies

There are effective ways to prepare for disasters. Most importantly, make arrangements ahead of time to ensure animals' safety in the event of evacuation. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers excellent tips, a worksheet, and even online courses about disaster preparation for animal guardians. Whether the emergency is a flood, a fire, or a human-made disaster, evacuees should never assume that they will be able to return home soon, despite any assurances to the contrary.

Take a moment now to make the following preparations so that you'll be ready for the worst.

Is Your Animal Prepared for Disaster? Have a Plan!
Other viewing options

Disaster Preparedness Checklist

If at all possible, do not leave animals behind. There is no way of knowing what may happen to your home while you are away, and you may not be able to return for days or even weeks. Companion animals left behind may become malnourished and dehydrated or may escape in fear and get lost.

All animals should have collars with ID. Make sure you have a current photo of your companion animal for identification purposes.

Hotels often lift "no pets" policies during emergencies, but keep a list of hotels that accept companion animals just in case. (Most Motel 6 locations accept animals.) Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers—they might be able to provide information during a disaster.

If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your companion animal. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters require medical records to make sure that all vaccinations are current, so keep copies of these records with your emergency kit.

If you must leave your animal behind ...

Never turn animals loose. Do not tie animals outside or keep them in a vehicle unattended. Leave them in a secure area inside your home.
Leave out at least 10 days' supply of water. Fill every sink, bowl, pan, and Tupperware container with water, then set them on the floor; do not leave just one container—it may spill. If your toilet bowl is free of chemical disinfectants, leave the toilet seat up to provide animals with one more source of water, but do not let that be the only source.
Leave out at least 10 days' supply of dry food. Canned food will go rancid quickly.
If you can't get to your home, contact a reliable neighbor or friend to check on animals and get them out, if possible. Provide specific instructions for care.

You can improve the lives of dogs and cats suffering from cruelty and neglect.

Forward this to friends.