Disaster Planning for Your Pets
Pets strengthen our lives every day. In return, we are responsible for their safety—especially when conditions turn dangerous.
Natural disasters don’t give advance notice. When an emergency strikes, your pet depends on you completely. You may already have a plan to protect your family, particularly if you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, or severe storms. But without a plan for your animals, even the best intentions can fall apart under pressure.
Microchips and Name Tags
Dogs and cats should be microchipped and wear collars with current ID tags. Double check your microchip information is up to date.
In extreme circumstances, use more than one form of identification. Add an embroidered tag, attach a backup tag, or write your phone number directly on the collar with a permanent marker.
For cats specifically, ensure your carriers are secure and tape or write your information on the exterior.
Temporary Pet Housing
Plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly places in nearby safe cities and saving that information in advance. Ask in advance about possible restrictions on size and species. For hotels, inquire if a “no-pet” policy would be waived in an emergency.
Keep this list of animal friendly places handy and call ahead for a reservation. Knowing where you can go removes guesswork when time is limited and decisions matter most.
Buddy System
Plan for your pet’s care if you’re not home when an emergency hits. Get to know your neighbors and identify who could step in during a crisis.
Build this support into your plan. Share instructions, exchange contact information, and add a designated caregiver to your emergency contact list with authorization to approve veterinary care if you can’t be reached. Strong preparation starts with looking out for each other.
Don’t Delay
Don’t wait for the crisis to arrive before you prepare. Disasters rarely come without warning. Forecasts for hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms can change by the minute.
Keep animals close and ready. Bring pets indoors and secure them so you can leave quickly if conditions worsen. Prepare to move. Your disaster supplies should be packed and accessible, including a dedicated pet disaster kit.
Preparation isn’t panic. It’s protection.
Vaccinations
Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations and store copies of their medical records where you can access them quickly. Shelters, veterinary clinics, hotels, and temporary housing often require proof of vaccination during disasters.
This also helps ensure if something happens, your pets is more protected against disease and parasites and has a better chance at remaining healthy.
Don’t leave your pet behind
The most important way to protect your pets during an evacuation is simple: take them with you. If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for your animals.
Once you leave, there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed back quickly, or at all. When you protect yourself, protect them too.