Pet Disaster Checklist – Click HERE for printable pdf
1. Have an evacuation plan
2. Get pets comfortable with their carrier
Helpful tips:
3. Obtain proper identification for your pets
4. Ensure pets are up to date on vaccinations
Below are the most common vaccinations required for pets, but consult with your veterinarian for any other additional vaccinations that your pet may need
Dogs:
Cats:
Rabbits:
Birds:
5. Implement a buddy system
In case you're away during a disaster or evacuation order, make arrangements well in advance for someone you trust to take your pets and meet you at a specified location.
They should:
6. Carry an Emergency Pet Alert Wallet Card
Create an Emergency Pet Alert wallet card that you can carry in your wallet or purse. If you're ever in a medical emergency, a rescue worker or paramedic looking through your wallet for identification will also know that there are pets at your home that need care. How much information you want to include is entirely up to you (i.e., medical needs of your pets or any special instructions).
On the card, you can list:
7. Obtain Emergency Pet Alert Stickers
Ensure the stickers are clearly visible and placed on each side of your home Update information on the stickers as necessary (amount and type of pets,
emergency contact phone numbers, etc.)
- Keep a full list of animal shelters, boarding facilities, and hotels that accept pets during emergency evacuations (refer to "Pet Medical, Hotel & Boarding Contacts" resource packet for additional resources)
- Make contact with your evacuation site(s) before disaster strikes so that you understand their emergency protocol and any restrictions that may apply (amount/species of pets permitted, vaccination requirements, costs, etc.)
- Know alternative routes to take to your planned evacuation site in the event of road or highway closures
- Keep a roadmap in your car or emergency kit in case GPS becomes inaccessible
2. Get pets comfortable with their carrier
- Make the carrier a comfortable resting, feeding or play location. This will make it easier for you, a friend or rescuer to place them inside when an emergency occurs.
Helpful tips:
- With a comfortable blanket or towel inside, leave the carrier out where the pet can see it
- Place special treats around and inside the carrier to entice them to enter
- Once they start to go inside the carrier, close the door for a few seconds, open it and reward them with a treat
- Gradually increase the time to a few minutes and continue to reward with treats
3. Obtain proper identification for your pets
- Keep all contact information listed on your pet's identification tags up to date
- Get pets microchipped
- Include a phone number of an emergency contact that resides outside of your immediate area on your pet's tags and on microchip records
4. Ensure pets are up to date on vaccinations
Below are the most common vaccinations required for pets, but consult with your veterinarian for any other additional vaccinations that your pet may need
Dogs:
- Rabies
- Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza)
Cats:
- Rabies
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
Rabbits:
- RVHD (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease)
Birds:
- Polyomavirus
5. Implement a buddy system
In case you're away during a disaster or evacuation order, make arrangements well in advance for someone you trust to take your pets and meet you at a specified location.
They should:
- Have access to your home (key, alarm code, gate code, etc.) D Be comfortable with your pet and your pet familiar with them
- Know where to find your pet, including common hiding places
- Know the location of your pet' s emergency kit
6. Carry an Emergency Pet Alert Wallet Card
Create an Emergency Pet Alert wallet card that you can carry in your wallet or purse. If you're ever in a medical emergency, a rescue worker or paramedic looking through your wallet for identification will also know that there are pets at your home that need care. How much information you want to include is entirely up to you (i.e., medical needs of your pets or any special instructions).
On the card, you can list:
- Your name and current address Amount of pets at your home Name and type of pet(s)
- Emergency contact information for two people you trust to care for your pets
7. Obtain Emergency Pet Alert Stickers
Ensure the stickers are clearly visible and placed on each side of your home Update information on the stickers as necessary (amount and type of pets,
emergency contact phone numbers, etc.)