Emergency Preparedness Planning For Pets
All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take. 

For many, pets are more than just animals—they are a part of the family. As members of your family, they should be included in your emergency planning process. Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do when an emergency requires you to leave your home, leave your pet at home, or prevents you from returning home. A few simple steps to ensure your pet’s safety can go a long way when disaster strikes.
YOU NEED A PET PLAN! 
The family pet can be overlooked until the final frantic moments before evacuation, but a little advance planning can ensure pet safety and care during an evacuation.

If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either.
  • Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
  • Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
  • Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
  • Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
  • Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
  • Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
  • Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

Know what to do as the disaster approaches:
  • Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
  • Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
  • Ensure that all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification.
  • Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
  • Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly.

The following information has been provided by Just In Case Arizona.
Evacuating With Your Pet
Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. Plan to shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the area. Also, make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices outside your “immediate area” that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies as well as a list of hotels or motels that are currently or will be pet-friendly during an emergency. In planning for an emergency, follow these important steps:
  • Arrange for family or friends outside of the affected area to shelter your pet.
  • Identify animal-friendly hotels/motels outside of the affected area .
  • Talk with your local veterinarian, boarding kennel, or grooming facility to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during an emergency.
  • Practice your departure plans to familiarize your pet with the process and increase his/her comfort level.
  • Know your pet’s hiding places so you can easily find him/her during an emergency.
  • Keep in mind a stressed pet may behave differently than normal and his/her aggression level may increase. Use a muzzle to prevent bites. Also be advised that panicked pets may try to flee.
  • Create a Go Bag for your pet or service animal – a collection of items your pet may need in case of an evacuation. Discuss your pet’s Go Bag with your local veterinarian to see if there are any special items that you should include.
Pet To-Go Bag
  • A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated).
  • Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet takes and  why he or she takes them.
  • Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information.
  • Physical description of your pet, including his/her species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior.
  • Animal first-aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Food and water for at least three days.
  • Food and water dishes.
  • Collapsible cage or carrier.
  • Muzzle and sturdy leash.
  • Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet calm.
  • Comforting toys or treats.
  • Litter, litter pan, litter scoop.
  • Plastic bags for clean-up.
If You Are Unable to Get Home to Your Pet
Some emergencies may prevent you from returning home. In planning for such emergencies:
  • Identify a trusted friend, neighbor, or dog-walker to care for your pet in your absence. This person should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.
  • Put stickers on the main entrances to your home to alert rescue workers of the number and types of pets inside. Update the information on the stickers every six months. Free Rescue Alert stickers can be ordered from the ASPCA.
  • Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your pet’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.

This information is pulled from "Just In Case Arizona" and their Pet Safety Checklist.
Ever since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there has been a renewed focus on Pet Safety and Evacuations. Just Google "Pet Evacuation" and a host of information comes up.

I have collected a couple of links to information about Preparedness planning with your pets. These links are located on the Emergency Preparedness Links page.
Page Last Updated, 9/29/12