Are You and Your Pet Prepared?
Pet Preparedness Month is observed annually in June to remind pet owners to include their furry friends in emergency and disaster plans. Because emergencies like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes strike quickly, preparing a dedicated “Go-Kit,” ensuring proper identification, and mapping out a plan ahead of time keeps your entire family safe.
- Food & Water: Non-perishable food, bowls, and drinking water.
- Medical Needs: A 1-week supply of necessary medications and copies of vaccination/medical records in a waterproof container.
- Safety & Comfort: A sturdy leash, harness, and secure carrier (large enough for your pet to stand and turn around).
- Sanitation: Waste bags, cat litter, a small litter box, and a manual can opener if you feed canned food.
If an emergency causes a sudden separation, proper ID is your best chance of being reunited:
- Microchip: Ensure your pet is microchipped and verify your contact information is registered and up-to-date with the microchip company.
- Tags: Make sure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date, securely fastened identification tags.
- Photos: Keep a recent photo of you and your pet together to quickly provide proof of ownership.
Do not assume public disaster shelters or emergency hotels will accept pets.
- Research: Check which hotels, motels, and boarding facilities along your evacuation route accept pets, or call ahead to ask if they waive no-pet policies during emergencies.
- Support Network: Plan with friends, family, or trusted neighbors to see who can take your pets if you are unable to evacuate them yourself.
Helpful Resources
To access more localized guidelines, interactive planning tools, and detailed checklists, you can visit official safety hubs:
- Download the American Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for detailed step-by-step checklists.
- Utilize the Ready.gov Pet Preparedness Toolkit to build an all-hazards plan for your specific area.
