Preparing your pets for emergencies makes sense.
If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your family. Animals are affected by disaster too, and the likelihood that they will survive an emergency depends largely on emergency planning done today.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected include assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals.
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. Pets often cannot survive alone; if they do, you may not be able to find them upon your return. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency.
Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, and/or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.
Use these resources to help you create an emergency plan and kit for your pet:
Additional information: