Prepare your pet for a disaster in 7 easy steps

Planning for a disaster can vary depending on the situation
— especially if you have pets. Regardless of the type of disaster, here are a few things to to keep in mind to keep you and your pet safe.

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Here are 7 key considerations
pet owners should have ready should a disaster strike.

A boy holding a box that says fly the coop.
1

Create a pet emergency kit

Food and water
Stock up on at least a week's supply of food and water for each pet.
Medications
Compile a supply of any necessary medications with dosage instructions.
Supplies
Find bowls, a manual can opener (if needed), pet waste bags, litter for cats and extra pet tags.
Comfort items
Gather your favorite toys, blankets, or bedding to help reduce stress.
2

Have proper identification

FidoAlert tags
Ensure pets wear collars with their FidoAlert or TabbyAlert tags for quick scanning.
FidoAlert tags
Microchip pets and register the chip with current contact details.
Photos and descriptions
Keep recent photos and detailed descriptions of pets to give to others for easy identification if they get lost.
3

Secure your home

Safe zones
Prepare safe areas within your home where pets can be confined during a disaster.
Pet-proofing
Secure heavy furniture and hazardous materials to prevent injuries to pets.
Hiding spots
Ensure pets have access to hiding spots where they can feel safe during stressful situations.
4

Prepare for evacuation

Evacuation plan
Research pet-friendly evacuation routes and destinations, such as shelters, hotels, or friends' homes.
Carriers and leashes
Have carriers, crates, or sturdy leashes ready for each pet for safe transport.
Practice
Run through evacuation drills with pets to familiarize them with the process and reduce anxiety.
5

Stay informed

Emergency alerts
Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather reports or disaster updates.
Local shelters
Know the locations of pet-friendly shelters and resources in your area.
Plan B
Have a backup plan in case your primary evacuation route or destination is inaccessible.
6

Have health and medical records on hand

Medical records
Keep copies of vaccination records, medical history, and any special care instructions in a waterproof container.
Veterinarian contacts
Have contact information for your veterinarian and emergency veterinary clinics.
7

Communicate with your support network

Emergency contacts
Share your disaster plan with friends, family, and neighbors who can assist with pet care if needed.
Pet sitters and boarding
Arrange for someone to care for your pets if you aren’t around during a disaster.
Meeting spot
Have a designated area to safely meet with friends and family after a disaster, especially if power and phone lines are down.
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