Emergency Preparedness for Pets: Kit, Plan and Evacuation

Preparing Your Pets

If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Animals left behind in an evacuation are often lost, injured or worse. The good news: a pet plan takes one hour and a small bag.

1. Make a pet plan

Decide now that your pets leave with you. Never leave them tied up or locked in.
Find out in advance where you can go with animals: relatives, friends, pet-friendly hotels or shelters. Many public shelters accept only service animals.
Agree with a neighbour to collect each other's pets if one of you is not home.
Make sure your pet has a microchip and that the registered phone number is current.
Keep vaccinations up to date. Shelters and kennels often ask for proof.

2. Pack a pet kit

Food for at least 7 days in a sealed container, and a bowl.
Water for your pet, in addition to the water for your household.
Medicines, and a note of doses.
Carrier or crate, lead and harness. Label the carrier with your name and phone number.
Copies of vaccination and registration papers in a waterproof bag.
A recent photo of you with your pet, to prove ownership if you are separated.
Waste bags, cat litter and a small tray.
A blanket or toy that smells of home.

The kit calculator includes pets when it works out food and water.

3. During an emergency

Bring pets indoors at the first warning. Frightened animals hide or run.
Keep dogs on a lead and cats in a carrier when you move.
Evacuate early. It takes longer with animals.
Keep pets away from floodwater, debris and spilled chemicals.

4. After

Keep pets on a lead outdoors at first. Familiar smells and landmarks may be gone, and they can get lost.
Watch for changes in behaviour. Stress can make calm animals defensive.
If your pet is missing, contact local shelters, vets and the microchip registry.