Disaster Plan for Pets

Our hearts go out to those in our community whenever there are wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters. In those cases, you are likely thinking and planning for “what if”. When planning, don’t forget to have a plan for your pets.

Many emergency shelters or hotels do not allow pets, so it is important to find places in advance that do. Search now for local and out-of-area pet-friendly hotels. Also, check out boarding facilities, or make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area friend or relative.

If you are not home when an evacuation is ordered, make sure you have a plan with friends or neighbors to evacuate your pets. Exchange keys, give your friend your pets’ medical information, and share your emergency contact information.

An emergency kit assembled and ready for each pet is essential. It’s recommended to have two kits, one larger kit for sheltering in place and one lightweight version for evacuations. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh. A kit should include (in an airtight waterproof container): several days’ supply of food, a water bowl, a supply of water, medicine your pet takes regularly, a first aid kit, a collar with an ID tag, a harness or leash, a crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet, grooming items, sanitation needs (waste bags, pet litter, and litter box), and favorite toys, treats or bedding.

In case your pet is lost in an evacuation or disaster, make sure every pet is microchipped. Update your microchip registration when you move, change your phone number, add a new emergency contact, or switch veterinary clinics. In addition, keep an ID tag on your pets’ collars. Take photos of yourself with your pets so you can prove ownership if you are separated from them.

So, planning is great, but what if you’re in the midst of a disaster and haven’t planned?

If you must evacuate but can’t find your pet in your home, leave an escape route through an open window or door, so your pet won’t be trapped. Pets have a higher chance of survival if they have a means of escape from an enclosed space.

If your pets are outdoors and there’s a chance that you’ll need to evacuate, bring them inside and put them in an enclosed room. That way, you can easily crate them for evacuation. Keep collars and leashes handy to have another way to contain them.

What if this all happens so fast, and you don’t have carriers for your dogs or cats? For dogs, a well-fitted collar/harness and leash can get them to the car to evacuate. If a carrier is necessary for smaller dogs, a sturdy duffle bag or a backpack with good ventilation works as a last-resort option. Ensure the bag can be securely closed but still allows airflow.

For cats, in an extreme emergency, a duffle bag or even a knotted pillowcase can be used for short-distance evacuation of a cat. It’s not ideal for long-term transport, but it offers a way to move the cat without it escaping or harming you. You can create an impromptu cat or small dog carrier by tying two laundry baskets together with strong string or wire, ensuring proper ventilation. If no carrier alternative is available and evacuation is immediate, try to secure the cat in your arms or under your coat, prioritizing your and the cat’s safety.

For a more complete list of ways to prepare, visit the American Humane Society checklist for Pet Disaster Preparedness.

Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.