If you are a pet owner, your emergency plan must also include your pets.
- If you must evacuate, you should evacuate your pets, too - it is not safe to leave them behind.
- Think about how you will move your pet safely in an emergency situation. You should consider items such as a leash and a pet carrier.
- Please note that pets are not allowed in public shelters (only service animals are allowed in public shelters). Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.
If you need to Shelter in Place for a period of time, it is important to plan for your pets, too. Store three days of water in your Shelter in Place kit (in addition to what you need for yourself and your family) and three days of food in an airtight waterproof container.
EMERGENCY PLANNING TIPS FOR PET OWNERS:
- Ask friends or relatives outside your area if they would be willing to accommodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
- See if your veterinarian or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency
- Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the emergency. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
- Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress
- Make sure each pet has a license and ID tag and current vaccinations
PUT TOGETHER A PET EMERGENCY KIT
Keep a pet emergency kit ready to go in case you need to take your pet to a kennel or to friends or family. You should include:
- Water, food, containers, non-spill bowls and a can opener
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers/cages to transport pets safely
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, veterinarian's phone number, proof of vaccinations, pet license numbers and microchip numbers
- Medication for your pet (if needed)
- Plastic bags, paper towels and wipes for clean-up
- A photo of your pet
Learn more about how pet owners can prepare for emergencies at www.ready.gov.
More information about pets and preparing for emergencies is also at the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
Another resource is the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team