EMERGENCY PREPARATION FOR YOUR PETS

STEP 1 - RESCUE ALERT STICKER

• It must contain the types and number of pets in your household and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

STEP 2 - ARRANGE A SAFE HAVEN

• Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities for use in the event of an emergency.
• Check with your local animal shelter to determine if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
• Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.

STEP 3 - EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND TRAVELING KIT

• Pet first-aid and guide book
• Canned (pop-top) or dry food
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra leash
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires
• Bottled water
• A pet traveling bag or sturdy carrier, ideally for each pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)

STEP 4 - CHOOSE "DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS"

• Consider someone who lives close to your residence
• A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual
• Consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past
• Provide a trust for your pet's financial future.

STEP 5 - EVACUATION PREPARATION

• Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible
• Make sure all pets are collared with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs.
• Microchip your pet for permanent identification
• Always brings pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
• Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

STEP 6 - GEOGRAPHIC AND CLIMATIC CONSIDERATION

• Locate rooms well in advance that offer safe havens. In other words, selected rooms that are clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
• Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones.
• Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage and other more foreseeable crises.
• In the event of flooding, look for the highest location in your home, or for a room with access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.