Pet Plan
ID your pet. Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Also consider microchipping your pets.
Before a disaster
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Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
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Have a current photograph.
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Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
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Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal – carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
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Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm’s way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
After a disaster
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Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home – often, familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
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If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
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After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive – monitor their behavior.
Are you ready?
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Pet food
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Bottled water
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Medications
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Veterinary records
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Cat litter/pan
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Manual can opener
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Food dishes
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First aid kit and other supplies
For more information about how to prepare your pets for disasters click here.