emergency PREPAREDNESS

MAKE A PLAN

Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Look into finding a safe place where you can bring your pets before disasters and emergencies happen. Chapter 7, Addendum 2 of the ADA describes how emergency shelters must be mindful of the ADA when accommodating people with disabilities and their service animals.
Implement a buddy system. Plan with family, neighbors and friends to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to so. 
Get your pet microchipped. Take a visit to your local veterinary practice and have your pet microchipped if not already done so. Be sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date. 

BUILD AN EMERGENCY PET KIT

• Food. Keep several days' supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl & 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 appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. 
• Collar with ID tag and a leash. Be sure to keep a back up collar, leash, and ID tags. Also include any documentation regarding your pet in a waterproof container as well as gathering them electronically. 
• Traveling bag, crate, or carrier. Preferably one for each pet. 
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo or shampoo wipes, brush, and nail clipper or file. 
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, poop bags and any additional cleaning supplies for your pet's sanitation needs. 
• Pictures of your pet. Include a picture of your pet with you, both hard copy and digitally incase you become separated and need to provide documentation/proof of ownership. 
• Familiar items. Include favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. 

STAY INFORMED

Pay attention to wireless 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. 
Always bring your pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. 

ADDITIONAL PET SAFETY TIPS

Mark your home with a rescue alert sticker. This will let neighbors or first responders know that you have animals inside your home. Make sure you place the sticker in a high visibility area such as a main entryway or front window. To get a free emergency sticker for your home, you can order it online by visiting the ASPCA HERE.

BE READY FOR EVERYDAY EMERGENCIES

There may be times that you can't get home to take care of your pets.  Icy roads may trap you at the office overnight, an accident may send you to the hospital—things happen.  But you can make sure your pets get the care they need by making arrangements now:

• Find a trusted neighbor, friend or family member and give him or her a key. Make sure this backup caretaker is comfortable and familiar with your pets (and vice versa).
• Make sure your backup caretaker knows your pet's feeding and medication schedule, whereabouts and habits.
• If you use a pet-sitting service, find out in advance if they will be able to help in case of an emergency.