Emergency Planning for Your Pets

When planning for an emergency include provisions for your pets.

  • Have a safe place to take your pets, especially in case an evacuation is ordered.
  • Remember: During an evacuation, American Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.
  • Plan now, before an emergency, to find out whether friends, relatives or pet-friendly hotels can shelter your animals in the event of a disaster. Keep a list of pet-friendly places, including phone numbers, with your other disaster supplies.
  • Assemble a pet disaster supply kit
  • Know what to do when a disaster approaches

Preparation

Being prepared for a disaster can save your pets' lives. Most importantly, if you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. We recommend that you keep the following items in a secure easy to reach location, such as inside your pet carriers, ready to grab and go:

  • A week's supply of food, water, litter and pan bowls, sealed in water-proof containers
  • Current ID tags on your pet at all times (we recommend microchipping all pets, ask your vet for details)
  • Current color photos (in case your pet is lost) and pre-made lost posters, preferably with a cell phone number and out-of-area alternate contact
  • A list of safe places to take your pets, including hotels within driving distance that accept pets
  • If you do leave your pets at home, print out the emergency sticker and post it on your front door to notify emergency response teams. 

Emergency Sticker

In Case of Emergency, Animals Inside