Don't leave your furry friend behind! Learn how to prepare an evacuation plan to keep your pet safe during a disaster. Essential tips and checklists included.
Article: 5 minutes
Updated: December 16, 2024 Published: March 6, 2023
By: Sean Scaturro, MBA, CFP® Reviewed by: Josh Andrews, CFP®
Keep your furry friends safe during natural disasters with these safety tips.
When a natural disaster strikes, keeping your family safe is your top priority. And that includes your pets. More than 20% of pet owners have evacuated their homes during a disaster or emergency, with almost half of them leaving a pet behind, according to a recent ASPCA® survey Opens in a New Window. See note 1
Having a plan in place can be the key to protecting your pets. Use these five tips when evacuating with pets to make sure every member of your family is prepared for a natural disaster.
Video Duration: 2 minutes 53 seconds
When natural disasters strike, it can be hard to know exactly what steps you need to take. As with any emergency, knowing what to do beforehand can be key to protecting your family – including your pets.
Here are a few tips that will help you make sure your pets are ready to go if there's a possible evacuation in your area.
Before you evacuate: Find a safe place for your pet to stay. Not all hotels accept pets, and shelters are often overwhelmed during a natural disaster.
Choose a caregiver for your pets. A caregiver is someone who can help evacuate your pets in an emergency if you're unable to do it yourself. Choose someone who is trustworthy, is close by and has access to your home. Make sure they know the plan and have a key or access code to your home.
Prepare your pet's emergency supply kit. Have a kit ready with all your pet's immediate needs like food, medication and leash or carrier. Plan to have enough supplies in case you can't return to your home for several days or weeks.
Here are a few suggestions for your pet emergency kit.
Have at least five to seven days' worth of food and water for each pet in airtight containers. Include bowls and a manual can opener.
If your pet is on any medication, make sure you have it with you in a childproof container that's clearly labeled with the name, dose and strength.
Have a portable crate or carrier to keep your pet calm and safe while traveling or staying in a new place. A favorite toy or bedding can help comfort your pet while they're away from their home.
Have a supply of plastic bags and cleaning wipes to clean up after your pet. Pet pads or litter boxes are essential.
You'll need a leash or harness and collar for your pet. Make sure they have an ID tag with current information like address, phone number and microchip number.
And finally, some shelters may require proof that your pet's shots are up to date, so it's important to have their medical records. If your pet is chipped, include the microchip info in case they get lost.
And remember, your pets may feel the stress of an evacuation. Their behavior may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive. Be aware of their emotional state and protect them from hazards at nose and paw or hoof level. Comfort them the best you can and consult your veterinarian if behavior issues continue.
Planning can reduce worry and anxiety when a natural disaster strikes. You can download our step-by-step checklist to make sure your pet's basic needs are met if you need to evacuate.
Description of visual information: [USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.] End of description.
Check to make sure the place you're staying is pet friendly. Many hotels don't allow pets, so call ahead to see what their policy is or if they'll make an exception. You may need to look for an animal shelter in the area.
If you have friends or family outside the evacuation area, they might be a good option if you can't find a hotel or shelter that will take your pets.
It's important to have a caregiver who can evacuate your pets if you're unable to. A good caregiver should:
Having an emergency kit for your pet will help reduce stress and make the evacuation process smoother for you or your caregiver. Make sure it has:
Plan to have enough resources to last several days or weeks. Make sure your caregiver and family members know where to find the emergency kit.
Disease can spread between pets and people during a natural disaster due to poor weather conditions, stagnant water or impacted infrastructure, according to the CDC Opens in a New Window. See note 1 Pet shelters may also face overcrowding, increasing the potential for a sheltered pet to get sick.
The CDC recommends handling your pets safely by washing your hands after touching them, their food or their waste. Avoid letting them lick your face or hands, and do your best to keep your pets away from other animals, especially wildlife or strays. Make sure they drink clean water and don't play in or around water that may be contaminated.
Many common pet-borne diseases can be transmitted to people, such as rabies and leptospirosis. If you need to keep your pet at a shelter, make sure their vaccinations are up to date and you give the shelter their medications.
Your pets will feel the stress of an evacuation. Look for signs of behavioral change after returning home, like aggression or defensiveness. While these changes are normal, consult your veterinarian if they continue.
If you don’t currently have coverage for your pets in place, consider pet insurance. If your pet needs an exam, procedure or medication because they’re sick or accidentally injured, these policies can reimburse you for a portion of the veterinary costs.
Once you’re home, it's also important to check your property for leftover debris or other hazards at nose, paw or hoof level.
Natural disasters can be disruptive, but they don't need to change your family makeup or your financial well-being. Be sure your pet's needs are included as part of your natural disaster evacuation plan. For more information, tips and planning guides on how to prepare for and recover from disasters, check USAA’s Natural Disaster Center.
With these tips and resources in mind, you're ready to take steps and be prepared to protect your pets during an emergency.
Find out what should be included in an evacuation plan.