CA OES, Pet Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets

1. Have an Emergency Pet Care Plan

If you evacuate, take your pet with you. Most emergency shelters do not allow animals, so have a plan for your pet. Safe places to take your pet may include homes of friends or relatives, pet friendly hotels, pet kennels or veterinary facilities. Prepare a list of contact numbers in advance. Contact your local animal control facility for information in your area.

Choose a designated care giver, such as a neighbor, friend or relative to care for your pet in the event that you are unable to do so.

Affix a Rescue Alert Sticker to the front of your residence. The sticker should include the types and number of pets in your house and veterinarian information.

Ensure that your pet wears a collar with a rabies tag at all times. Consult your veterinarian about permanent identification, such as microchipping, or registration with a pet recovery database.

2. Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit Including:

Leash, harness and / or Pet carrier

1-Week supply of food and water with bowls

Medications and pet first aid kit

Copies of vaccination, medical records and a photo of you and your pet (for identification) in a waterproof container

Plastic bags, disinfectants, paper towels and for cats, a litter box

Blankets, toys and treats

3. During an Emergency

Keep your pets on hand at the first sign of an emergency. Don’t allow your pets to roam loose following a disaster.

Call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside the danger area.

Keep your pet emergency kit close at hand.

For more detailed information, visit the following resource web sites:

Community Animal Response and Evacuation Group
http://evacuatemypet.com/index.html

California Department of Food and Agriculture Downloadable Animal Disaster Preparedness Brochures
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/disaster_prep_Brochures.htm

California Animal Shelters
http://www.cacda.org/shelters.cqs

Petswelcome.com: Listing of Hotels that Allow Pets
http://www.petswelcome.com/

FEMA Pet Preparedness
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Disaster Preparedness
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=disaster

Humane Society Disaster Preparedness
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Protecting Pets in an Emergency
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=27

US Search and Rescue Task Force
http://www.ussartf.org/pets_and_disasters.htm