Prepare Your Pets for Emergencies

Pets are important members of our families, so they should be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare your pets for emergencies follow the same steps you follow when preparing the rest of your family.

• Stay informed
• Make a plan
• Build an emergency kit

Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

Stay Informed

Be prepared by staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed:

• Pay attention to local news and reliable information sources such as emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
• Add your pet needs to your preparations. When doing shopping prior to an emergency event, make sure to also stock up on pet food and other supplies.

Make a Plan

Having a plan in place for you and your pets will give you peace of mind and reduce stress when emergencies occur. If local officials ask you to evacuate, your pet should evacuate too. Pets left behind may become lost, injured or worse.

Things to include in your plan:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Plan ahead and choose a safe place you can evacuate with your family and your pets.
• Lend a hand. Talk to neighbors, friends or relatives and plan for someone to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Make sure your pet has identification. Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area. For pets who can wear collars, have ID tags made with your name and phone number. For little critters who live in cages, attach ID tags to their cage.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Wake County Animal Services offers occasional microchip and vaccination clinics for pets. These clinics offer microchipping for as little as $10 per pet. Visit Wake County Animal Services and select Events.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Emergency kits aren’t just for people. Pets benefit from having a kit prepared just as much as people. Be sure to include basics, such as food and water and any necessary medications.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, water- proof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have pets such as horses, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

In addition to the tips above:

• Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
• Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
• Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
• Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.