Disaster Preparation

What to do for pets in Emergencies

Emergency planning should involve all members of the family, including pets. If your family must relocate to a shelter, your pet will not be allowed to stay in the shelter. Making arrangements for alternative pet care before a disaster occurs could save your pet's life. Locate a friend or a relative who is able to board your animal, or a kennel that accepts pets during emergencies.

You will need to prepare a disaster kit for your pet. The following list includes items that you will need to take with your pet if you must leave your residence quickly.

• Decide on where you might take your pet if it becomes necessary during an emergency to leave your home. Places you could contact are:
• Boarding kennels
• Veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities
• Friends or relatives
• Motels where you can stay if they will take pets
• A pet carrier for each animal. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Familiarize your pet with the carrier
• Up-to-date vaccination and medical records available, most boarding facilities require shot records and proof.
• Properly fitted collar with Identification, license, and rabies tags.
• Picture ID of your pet
• Medications
• Leash/Muzzle
• Special needs instructions
• Pet food
• Clean water
• Bowls and a manual can opener
• Cleaning supplies, including trash bags, bleach and medicine dropper (for water purification and use as a disinfectant), towels, paper towels, and other waste disposal supplies
• Blankets
• Pet first aid book and kit

As a last resort, you may have to leave your pet at home. Find a confined area inside the home, preferably away from windows. Leave plenty of clean water and food to sustain your pet while you are away.

Planning ahead could save your pets life.

For more information on emergency preparedness for your pets, call The Humane Society of Carroll County at 410-848-4810 or 410-875-5379