Prepare your Pets for Disasters

Pets are an Extension of the Family and also need to be prepared for.

Pets need to be included in your family’s emergency plan, as unexpected disasters or problems can arise at any time. Below, we’ll go over three important tips to keep in mind when preparing your pets for emergencies.

Make a Plan:

Making a plan, building an emergency kit, and staying informed are three essential pillars of preparing your pet for unexpected emergencies and disasters. Emergencies or disasters can happen at any time, so it’s important to create a plan for both you and your pet to help ensure safety and increase your chances of staying protected. Having a plan in place can make it easier to manage stressful situations and reduce anxiety when every second counts. Below are key items that should be included in your emergency plan.

Have an evacuation plan for your pet:	Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
Develop a buddy system:	Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Have your pet microchipped:	Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
Contact your local animal shelter or animal control office:	When looking to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
Bring your animals papers with you if you are forced to leave your home:	Many shelters or evacuation centers may not allow animals, but some do. If you are going to a location that accepts pets, it’s important to bring your animals’ medical records so they can be properly cared for and admitted without delay.

When creating your emergency plan, it’s also important to consider a few key questions. How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is your shelter plan? What evacuation route will you follow? How will your household communicate and stay connected during an emergency?

Build an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Pet

It’s just as important to have an emergency supply kit for your pets as it is for the rest of your family. During an emergency or disaster, your pets will need essential supplies just like you. When preparing a kit for your pet, it can be helpful to create two versions: a larger kit for sheltering in place and a lightweight, portable kit you can take with you if you need to evacuate. As with your household emergency kit, your pet’s kit should be checked and updated regularly to ensure all items are fresh and ready to use. Below are items to consider including in your pet’s emergency kit.

Emergency Supply list

Basic Supplies Kit:

Each supply kit should feature these basic but crucial items needed to handle the time after an emergency.

Water

Food

Medicine

First aid kit

Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash.

Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier

Sanitation needs

A picture of you and your pet together

Familiar items

Dust mask

Grooming items

Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit.

Stay Informed:

Staying aware of upcoming weather conditions is an important step in making sure you and your pet are prepared for potential emergencies or disasters.

In the days or moments before inclement weather or disasters, pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local warnings issued by New York State and local public safety officials.

When local officials issue directions such as evacuations or shelter‑in‑place orders, it is extremely important to follow them.

Download the FEMA app, and make sure to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service or the local television station meteorologists to help keep you informed for latest updates with the weather.

Always bring your pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

While it is important to follow these three pillars of preparing your pet for disasters there are other tips that can help you be prepared as well.

Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.

Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.

Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.

If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

*Credit: Portions of the information on this page are adapted from FEMA and Ready.gov resources. Their materials were used as foundational guidance and adapted to provide Onondaga County–specific preparedness information.