Pet preparedness

🐾 Prepare your Pets for Disasters

Your pets are an important part of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. Disasters can happen without warning, and being prepared now will help keep your pets safe when it matters most.

✅ Quick Actions You Can Take Today

📌 Add your pets to your Household Emergency Plan
📌 Gather emergency supplies for your pets
📌 Check your pet’s microchip and ID tags to confirm current information
📌 Identify a local family member or trusted neighbor to care for your pet if you can't get home

🎒 Gathering Pet Emergency Supplies

Remember to add the appropriate backstock of food, water, and medicine to your Two Week Supply and also create a portable kit you can grab quickly if you need to evacuate. You will know what is best for your pet, but some recommended items include:

🥫 Food and water
💊 Medications and copies of medical/vaccination records
🐕 Leash, collar, harness, and ID tags
🐾 Pet carrier or crate
🧻 Waste supplies (poop bags, litter, mini litter box)
🧸 Comfort items (blanket, favorite toys)
📸 Recent photo of your pet (for proof of ownership in case you’re separated)
📞 Emergency contact and veterinarian information

📌Service Animal Considerations

Service animals are not pets — they perform essential tasks for their handlers and have legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), even during disasters and in shelters. Plan ahead to keep both you and your service animal safe:

✅ Include your service animal in your emergency plan and evacuation routes
✅ Pack extra supplies specific to your animal’s needs (gear, harness, food, water, medications, and ID)
✅ Keep documentation of your animal’s training or status handy if possible (though not legally required)
✅ Know your rights — service animals must be allowed in emergency shelters, transportation, and other public spaces
✅ Identify alternate caregiving arrangements in case you’re separated