Pets
Take your pets with you when you evacuate. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. Leaving them behind may endanger emergency responders and your pets. Evacuate early — before you may be ordered to leave animals behind.
Plan Where You Will Go
Emergency shelters generally do not accept pets (except service animals). Prepare in advance:
- Research pet-friendly hotels and motels outside your immediate area. Ask if “no pet” policies would be waived in an emergency.
- Locate boarding facilities, veterinarians, and community pet sheltering resources.
- Ask friends and relatives outside the area if they could shelter your animals.
Once disaster is imminent, bring pets indoors immediately — in their carriers if evacuation looks likely.
Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
- Medications and medical records in a waterproof container; pet first aid kit and app
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, muzzle if needed, and carriers large enough for extended stays
- Comfort items: blankets, towels, favorite toys
- Pre-made “LOST” poster with current photos and descriptions
- Proof of vaccinations; ID on collar; microchip for permanent ID
- Food and water for 3–7 days per pet, with bowls and manual can opener
- 1 quart water/day per 10 lbs. (cats)
- 1 gallon water/day per 40 lbs. (dogs)
- 12–20 gallons water/day per horse
- Cat litter, litter box, scoop
- Feeding schedule, medical conditions, vet contact information
- Newspapers, paper towels, pee pads, poop bags, bleach, trash bags
Use the Animal Information Form >> to record your pet’s information in advance.
If You’re Not Home When Disaster Strikes
- Post information by your front door for first responders: pet descriptions, photos, vaccination records, how to handle or evacuate.
- Set up a “buddy” system with a neighbor. Give them a key and instructions. Make sure they’ve met your pets.
- Give your buddy a signed letter authorizing emergency veterinary treatment if you cannot be reached.
- Exchange contact information so your buddy can reach you.
Practice
- Practice evacuation with your animals. Periodically put carriers in their environment so animals are comfortable with them.
- Get animals used to riding in the car.
- Do night-time drills.
After a Disaster
- Keep animals under direct control and in carriers while you assess damage.
- Fences and gates may be damaged.
- Watch for hazards at nose and paw level: debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers.
- If your area flooded, search for wild animals that may have sought refuge in your home.
- Be patient — pets may become disoriented or display behavior problems from stress.
References
Large Animals
Each of the three counties in the South Skyline area has a trained Large Animal Evacuation Group. Volunteers receive specialized training in handling large animals, trailer driving, and working within the Incident Command structure. Most also have CERT, CPR, and Ham radio training. In a large-scale emergency, county Large Animal Evacuation Groups are activated by OES and authorized to enter restricted areas.
What You Can Do Now
- Prepare your animal: Ensure it can be handled by strangers, load a trailer in the dark, and is familiar with flashlights and glow sticks. Practice being blindfolded.
- Documentation: Keep immunization records and a complete Animal Information Form >>.
- Permanent ID: Microchip your large animals.
- Go kit: Halters, lead ropes, ID forms, photos, markers, special handling instructions.
- Property access: Make sure gates open quickly. Have a primary and secondary escape route. Keep your trailer well maintained.
- Post instructions: For large animals, post evacuation instructions in multiple visible locations — barn office, horse trailer, barn entrances — so emergency workers can find them if you’re not there.