Disaster Planning for Your Pet

Plan

ahead and keep your pet safe during a disaster

From the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services:

We can never know when a disaster may happen. Proper planning is the first step in handling an emergency situation and keeping your pets safe during a disaster is no exception. If you live in a disaster prone area, it’s especially important to have a plan ready and a place to house your pets once a crisis hits.

Keep In Mind

Here’s a list of things you should keep in mind when putting together your family’s pet disaster plan:

• Remember, unless your pet is a certified service animal, like a dog for the visually impaired, you will NOT be able to take your pet to a Red Cross Shelter. Prepare a list of vet clinics and boarding kennels that may be able to take your pet(s) in case of a disaster.

• Some hotels and motels have “pet friendly” policies. If you get advance warning of a disaster, make reservation immediately.

• Friends and family outside the affected disaster area might also be a good resource for safe pet boarding in an emergency.

• If you’ve been placed under a disaster warning, don’t waste precious time looking for your pets. Make sure your animals are inside and wearing collars with current ID tags.

• Prepare a pet emergency supply kit and make sure each family member knows where it is.

• A supply of pet food and treats

• Drinkable water in plastic bottles

• Can opener (for canned food)

• Pet medications & medical records. Store them in a waterproof container.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers

• Pet beds and toys (if you have room)

• Current photos of your pet in case they get lost

• The name and contact information for your veterinarian