AT HOME

Step 5: Prepare Your Pets

Recent emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina have demonstrated the need for individuals to include their pet(s) in their family emergency plan. Individuals and families with pets need to plan how they will take care of them in an emergency situation.

With the exception of service animals, pets are generally not permitted in emergency evacuation centres. Before an emergency happens, plan where you would take your pets if you could not take them with you to a public emergency evacuation centre.

  • Ask friends and relatives outside of your immediate area whether they would be willing to shelter your pet(s) should an emergency occur.
  • Contact the hotels and motels outside of your immediate area to check on their policies regarding pets and whether they have restrictions on the number, size and type of pet. Also ask whether any “no pet” policies might be waived in an emergency.
  • Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who would be willing to shelter pets in the event of an emergency.
  • Contact local animal shelters and ask if they provide shelter for pets in the event of an emergency. This should only be used as a last resort, as animal shelters have limited resources and will be very busy in an emergency.
  • Keep a list of all “pet friendly” places and their telephone numbers so that you can call ahead for reservations should you have notice of an impending emergency.

Just as you would prepare an emergency survival kit for yourself and your family, prepare an emergency survival kit for your pet(s) to keep them comfortable for at least three days. This kit should be stored in an easy to carry bag or container in the event you have to leave your home and stored next to your emergency survival kit. The following is a list of items that you should include in your pet emergency survival kit:

  • Food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
  • Blanket and a small toy
  • Sturdy leash/harness
  • Cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags
  • Carrier for transporting your pet
  • Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
  • Current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical or behavioural problems in case you must board your pet
  • Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
  • Copy of license (if required)
  • Muzzle (if required)

Emergency supply requirements vary for different kinds of pets. Please contact your veterinarian, should you have questions about the care of your pet and the items that should be included in their emergency survival kit.

You may not be at home when an emergency occurs and and/or an evacuation order is issued. Before an emergency happens, ask a trusted neighbour to evacuate your pet if need be, and meet you in a pre-arranged location. This individual should have a key to your home, know where the pet emergency kit is located, be comfortable with your pet and, more importantly, know where your pet is likely to be.

Go to the Pets and Emergencies Fact Sheet [PDF]

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