Disaster Planning for Dogs & Cats

It’s important to plan for how your family – both humans and animals – will safely make it through a disaster situation. When considering housing during an evacuation scenario, be aware that many shelters only allow service animals.

• Talk to your local chapter of the American Red Cross to find out about their pet sheltering policy.

• Check with family or friends outside the evacuation area.

• Research pet-friendly hotels – bringfido.com or dogfriendly.com.

Supplies: These items should ideally be packed and ready to go at all times.

• Leash, collar with ID

• Appropriate-sized pet carriers with bedding and toys

• Food (in airtight waterproof containers) and water for at least two weeks for each pet

• Food, water bowls, manual can opener if needed

• Plastic bags for dog waste, litter box and litter for cats

• Cleaning supplies for accidents (paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant)

• Medications for at least two weeks, instructions and treats used to give the medications, pharmacy contact for refills

• Flea and tick medication and heartworm preventative for 1 month

• Documents

  • Photocopied veterinary records (rabies certificate, vaccinations, recent FeLV/FIV test results for cats, prescriptions, etc.)

  • Registration and microchip information

  • Recent photos of your pet

  • Contact information for you and friends or relatives

  • Boarding instructions, such as feeding schedule, medications, and any known allergies and behavior problems

• A pet first aid book and first aid kit

• Documents, medications, and food should be stored in waterproof containers