Pet owners have a responsibility to make sure that pets are protected and cared for in the event of an emergency.

Plan for Your Pets

• Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an emergency. If you learn that you may need to evacuate, you should call ahead for reservations. It's also always a good idea to ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• 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. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet "microchipped" by your veterinarian. Microchipping can help identify your pet you if he or she is separated from you in the event of an emergency.

Make a Kit for Pets

Just as humans require essential items to survive, so do pets. Emergencies can require responding at a moment's notice and it is critical to have a kit ready for your pet in these situations. Keep a container that is easy to grab-and-go with at least three days of survival items for your animal. Your pet's kit should include:

• Water
• Food
• Folding bowls
• Cat litter/pan
• Manual can opener
• Pet identification and current photos of your pet for use in the event that he or she is lost
• Contact information for your pet's veterinarian
• Keep medical records and behavior problems in waterproof containers
• Pet's leash, harness and/or carriers to transport pets safely
• Blankets, toys and comfort items
• List of pet boarding locations

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