06/02/2025
June is National Pet Preparedness Month🌪️🚨
Pets can’t prepare for an emergency, but you can!
Here’s some tips you can use to prepare:
• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Contact your local emergency management office or animal shelter to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
Build a Go-Kit for Your Pet and review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s vaccine information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner, and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, p**p bags, and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.