Do you have a plan for your family pet in case of emergencies or disasters?
Having supplies and a plan will give you peace of mind, save time and maybe even save your pet’s life.
Don’t expect rescue centres to have supplies for your pets during emergencies – this is your responsibility.
Designate someone to help you if you are not home when a disaster strikes.
Have a recent photo and description of your pet(s) ready to help rescue workers find them.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
- Food/water (7-day supply)
- Identification tag and collar
- Sturdy crate and/or carrier
- Pet first-aid kit
- Leash and harness
- Non-spill bowls
- Litter box & litter for cats
- Manual can opener
- Recent photos of your pet
- Copy of your pet’s current vaccination history
- Any special medications & instructions
- Emergency phone numbers & addresses (pet friendly hotels, emergency vet clinic, local animal shelter, boarding kennels, etc.)
During a Disaster
Try your best to take your pet with you. If this is NOT possible when you evacuate, follow these guidelines:
- Prepare a poster of your pets with pictures and descriptions (update as needed) and post in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind.
- Leave plenty of water in a large tip-proof container inside and outside your home.
- Leave dry food in timed, battery-operated feeders, to keep your pet from eating all food in one day.
- Do not tie up or cage pets, as chances of survival are greater if they can escape easily.
Finding Your Pet Following a Disaster
- When it’s safe, return to your neighbourhood to search for your pet and distribute “lost pet” posters.
- Ask neighbours, mail & newspaper carriers, joggers & others to look out for your pet.
- Check with your local animal shelter to report your pet missing. They may have already rescued your pet.
Don’t give up, sometimes lost pets turn up months after they have gone missing.