During Emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, tornados, and other disasters, most shelters will not take pets.  It is important to include procedures for your pet in your disaster preparedness kit.  Decide in advance where you will take your pet if evacuated or how you will take care of them if you do not have a place for them.

Pets may get scared during an emergency and may exhibit behavior changes so you will need to be patient with them and allow extra time to secure them.  Talk to your vet about how to make things easier for your pet.

• Include your pet in your Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Ask a neighbor or friend to help secure your pet if you are separated.
• Research various shelters and/or hotels that might be willing to take your pet should you have to evacuate.
• Include pet supplies in your emergency kit (collar, leash, food, documentation).
• Make sure all shots and tags are up to date and consider micro chipping your pet in case it becomes lost.

• If your pets are outside them bring them inside and contain them so they do not run away.
• If you need to evacuate with your pet:
• Ensure you have enough pet supplies for at least 72 hrs (food, water, leash, collar, chew toy)
• Ensure your pet has appropriate tags and that the pet carrier is marked appropriately with all contact information and pet information.
• Be prepared to continue cleaning up after your pet.

• Ensure you leave enough food and water for your pet to access in your absence.      
• Leave the toilet seat up and the bathroom door open so your pet can drink from the clean toilet if necessary. 
• Leave a note on your door for emergency personnel, etc. that there are pets inside and leave appropriate contact information.     
• If possible, find someone who can check on your pets.  Although if the community is evacuated this may be difficult so be prepared.

• Be patient with your pet because they may exhibit behavior changes after such an ordeal.
• Do not let your pets off of the leash until they feel more comfortable and secure.
• Keep your pet away from other pets and people for awhile until they adjust.

• Department of Homeland Security - http://www.ready.gov/animals
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm
• The Humane Society of the United States http://humanesociety.org/