Pets:

• The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan.
• If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
• Different disasters require different responses.
• But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
• If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too.
• Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in them being injured, lost.
• Prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

The Red Cross recommends the following

Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets:

• Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in Disaster Shelters.
• Service animals which assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.
• It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of an evacuation, so plan ahead.
• Do not wait until disaster strikes!
• Contact hotels and motels outside your local area to check their policies on accepting pets.
• Ask if they have restrictions on number, size and species.
• Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency.
• Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with your other disaster information and supplies.
• If you are alerted to an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
• Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.
• If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together.
• But be prepared to house them separately.
• Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency.
• Include 24-hour phone numbers.
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster.
• Animal shelters may be overwhelmed with the animals already displaced by the disaster.
• So this should be your last resort.

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit:

• Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies.
• Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily.
• A duffle bag or covered trash containers, for example.

Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems.
• The name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet bed or toys if easily transportable.