Disaster Guidelines

Disaster Action Guidelines for Pet Owners

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, pets are not allowed inside emergency shelters for humans due to public health and safety reasons. If you and your family need to evacuate your home during a disaster, you must have planned in advance for the care of your pet. Such planning could save the life of your pet and make yours much easier.

Planning

Acquire a portable kennel or crate for each pet. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to able to stand up and turn around. Be sure to familiarize your pet with the carrier. Be sure to have a leash on hand to maintain control of your pet.

Be sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Be sure your pet wears a secure collar with the rabies and I.D. tags attached. The I.D. tag should have your name, address and phone number on it. You should also have written copies of your pet's vaccination records and documentation of any medications with dosing instructions with the name and phone number of the veterinarian who dispensed the drugs. Bring all of this with you if you have to evacuate.

Decide on where you might take your pet if you must evacuate. Places you can contact are:

Friends or relatives,

Motels where you can stay if they take pets,

Boarding kennels,

Veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities.

Your local animal shelters are usually full and cannot board your pets!