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5 tips to keep your pets safe during an evacuation

Keep your furry friends safe during natural disasters with these safety tips.

When 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 New Window).See note1

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.



Tip 1: Find a safe place for your pet to stay.

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 to take your pets.

Tip 2: Choose a caregiver.

It's important to have a caregiver who can evacuate your pets if you're unable to. A good caregiver should:

  • Be familiar with your evacuation plan.
  • Have access to your home.
  • Be trustworthy.

Tip 3: Prepare an emergency supply kit.

Having an emergency kit for your pet will help reduce stress and make the evacuation process smother for you or your caregiver. Make sure it has:

  • Food for each pet.
    Pack food in an airtight container. Include bowls and a manual can opener.
  • Medications.
    Make sure the bottles are childproof and marked with pet names and dosage information.
  • A pet carrier or crate.
    Help keep your pet calm while traveling or staying in a new place with a portable carrier or crate.
  • Chew toys and other comfort items.
    Ease your pet's transition to a temporary new environment with their favorite toy or bedding.
  • A leash or harness.
    Be ready to leash or harness your pet. Make sure collars have tags with up-to-date contact information and microchip number.
  • Sanitary supplies.
    Have pet pads and litter boxes ready to go along with wipes and plastic bags.
  • Medical records and microchip number.
    Some pet shelters require vaccination records and medical information. If your pets are microchipped, having that information is helpful if they get lost.

Plan to have enough for several days or weeks. Make sure your caregiver and family members know where to find the emergency kit.

Tip 4: Keep yourself and your pets healthy.

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 New Window).See note1 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 and 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.

Tip 5: Be prepared for the return home.

Your pets will feel the stress of an evacuation. Look for signs of behavioral change after returning home such as aggression or defensiveness. While these changes are normal, consult your veterinarian if they continue.

It's also important to check the area around your home for leftover debris or other hazards at nose, paw or hoof level.

Check out these additional resources.

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 met if you need to evacuate by downloading our step-by-step Pet emergency evacuation checklist(Opens in New Window). For more information, tips and planning guides on how to prepare for and recover from disasters, visit our 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.