Shelter in place for pets
Evacuating With Your Pet
Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. Plan to shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area. In planning for an emergency evacuation:
Arrange for family or friends outside of the affected area to shelter your pet.
Identify animal-friendly hotels/motels outside of the affected area.
Talk with your local veterinarian, boarding kennel, or grooming facility to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during an emergency.
Practice evacuation plans to familiarize your pet with the process and increase his/her comfort level.
Know your pet’s hiding places so you can easily find him/her during an emergency.
Keep in mind a stressed pet may behave differently than normal and his/her aggression level may increase. Use a muzzle to prevent bites. Also be advised that panicked pets may try to flee.
Create a Go Bag for your pet or service animal — a collection of items your pet may need in case of an evacuation. Discuss your pet’s Go Bag with your local veterinarian to see if there are any special items that you should include.
Pet Go Bag Checklist
- A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated)
- Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet takes and why he or she takes them
- Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information
- Physical description of your pet, including species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior
- Animal first aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian
- Food and water for at least three days
- Food and water dishes
- Collapsible cage or carrier
- Muzzle* and sturdy leash (*Note: Nylon muzzles should only be used temporarily as they can restrict a dog’s ability to pant)
- Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet calm
- Comforting toys or treats
- Litter, litter pan, and litter scoop
- Plastic bags for clean-up
- Pet Emergency Supply Kit
Include pet supplies in your own emergency supply kit — the set of supplies you need to survive in your home for at least three days.
Pet food. If you use wet food, make sure you have pop-up cans or a manual can opener on hand. Rotate food and water items every six months to avoid expiration.
Water. Dehydration is a serious health risk to animals. Check with your veterinarian to see how much water your pet needs on a daily basis.
Plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies for dealing with your pet.
If You Are Unable to Get Home to Your Pet
Some emergencies may prevent you from returning home. In planning for such emergencies:
Identify a trusted friend, neighbor, or dog-walker to care for your pet in your absence. This person should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.
Put stickers on the main entrances to your home to alert rescue workers of the number and types of pets inside. Update the information on the stickers every six months.
Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your pet’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.
Proper Identification
Dogs and cats should wear a collar or harness, rabies tag, and identification tag at all times. Identification tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and the phone number of an emergency contact. Dogs should also wear a license.
Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your pet. A properly registered microchip enables positive identification of your pet if you and your pet are separated.
After An Emergency
Following an emergency, be extra careful when letting your pet loose outdoors and be sure your pet wears an identification tag.
Familiar scents and landmarks may have been altered, which may cause your pet to become confused or lost.