Pet Preparedness

For many of us, our pets are an important part of our family. For some of us, livestock are an important part of our livelihood. When preparing for an emergency, consider their needs too.

Basics

Identification:

• Keep your pet's tags current and get them microchipped. 
• A picture of you and your pet together helps you to document ownership and others to identify your pet.

A pet-specific kit:

• Several days of food, water, and medicine.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness/leash (plus backups!)
• Copies of registration information and other relevant documents (hard copy and electronic).
• Travel crate or sturdy carrier (ideally one for each pet).
• Sanitation and grooming items.
• Familiar items like toys, treats, or bedding (these can help reduce stress for your pet).

Evacuation and shelter plan:

• Use a rescue sticker alert to let people and emergency workers know that you have pets. The ASPCA will send a pet safety packet to you for free. 
• If you need to leave your home, don't leave your pets behind. If it's not safe for you to stay, then it's unsafe for them to stay. Shelters will open to help address human needs, but not all will allow pets. Make a backup plan for them.

More details:

• Printable list from Ready.gov (also linked below)
• Download the Pet First Aid app (from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Marketplace)
• Pet Safety in Emergencies from the Centers for Disease Control 
• Pet information from Public Alerts  - *Don't forget to sign up for Public Alerts!
• Red Cross animal information 
• Livestock considerations:
  • ​Humane Society
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service