Your pets are important members of your family. Always include them in your family’s emergency plan.

What You Should Know about Pet Preparedness

• Include your pets in your emergency plans.
• Build a separate emergency kit for your pets.
• Make sure and keep digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet after a disaster in case you become separated.
• Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
• Create a buddy system in case you are not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
• Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
• Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
• Have your pet microchipped and information up to date.

You can help ease your pet from stress by getting them used to the carrier beforehand. If they take medication or require special food, ensure extra is packed and ready to go.

Download the Pet Preparedness PDF to get started

Other Resources

• San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group

WPV-Ready & WPV-CERT Webinar: Animal Welfare During Disasters

The American Red Cross offers additional info on protecting pets from heat, winter pet care, pet travel safety, and pet fire safety.

Download the Pet First Aid App available from the American Red Cross. Find it in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Marketplace

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