Pet Safety
 Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their well-being. Make pet safety a priority.
1. Make a disaster plan.
2. Put together a disaster supplies kit for your pets.
3. Take a pet first aid class at the American Red Cross.
Develop a Pet Evacuation Plan
The Red Cross and Humane Society have put together the following disaster preparation tips for your pets:
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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 their being injured, lost or worse.
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Due to allergies and other health issues, most shelters that house people, don’t house pets; however they may know about other local options. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pet’s safety.
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Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and 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 and maps, in your pet disaster supplies kit. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
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Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area if 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.
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Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
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Make local animal shelters the last resort. Ask if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. They may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster.
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You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept and have a key to your home.
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Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide or try to escape or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
Assemble a Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Print List
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:
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Medications
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Medical records (stored in a waterproof container)
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First aid kit
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Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape
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Collar
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Up-to-date I.D. tag
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Up-to-date registration tag
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Up-to-date rabies vaccination tag
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Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
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Current photo of you
with your pets
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Food
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Potable water
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Bowls for food and water
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Cat litter/pan
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Litter scoop
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Can opener
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Pet bed
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Favorite toy
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Blankets
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Temporary I.D. tag with number and address of your temporary shelter or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area
Include information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, vaccination records, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
Make sure a trusted neighbor or friend knows the location of your pet disaster supplies kit and has a key to your home.
Print Your Pet Disaster Supplies Kit List
 Learn Dog or Cat First Aid
Pets can have medical emergencies any time, any where. If your pet is sick or injured, your knowledge of pet first aid may save the life of your "best friend."
Learn how to recognize an emergency and how to care for your pet until you can get to your veterinarian's office or animal hospital.
Sign up for an American Red Cross pet first aid class, which includes a dog or cat first aid book and a DVD.
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