Since 2000, when the HSUS and FEMA signed an agreement giving pet owners the go-ahead to bring their four legged family members with them to disaster shelters, the world has been a better place.  However, not all shelters can accept pets, so be sure to do your research now to find out where you will be able to take your WHOLE family in case of an emergency.  If you are unable to locate a suitable shelter for everyone, keep in mind that there are veterinary clinics and animal shelters as alternative options for boarding your pet.

In addition to having a safe haven mapped out for shelter in case of emergency, you should also assemble a pet emergency kit and store it in a cool, dry and easy to reach location.  Be sure to include food and water for five days, all of your pet’s medications, microchip identification number and vaccine records in a waterproof container, leashes, carriers, waste bags/litter and a basic first aid kit.  For a more detailed list of items, visit the ASPCA’s page for emergency preparedness.

*Remember: Having your pet microchipped is an excellent way to identify your pet if they are lost, but you have to register your contact information in a microchip registry (and keep it updated!) to ensure that YOU are identifiable and reachable. 

If you cannot locate your pet after a disaster, make sure to have a recent photograph of them, along with their microchip identification number.   The most important thing that you can do to ensure reunification with your lost pet is to have them microchipped.  Having your pet microchipped will provide the local authorities, shelters and rescues with the ability to notify you when your pet has been located. According to a study conducted by Ohio State University, the return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2 ½ times higher for microchipped pets entering shelters.

Nobody wants to think about the likelihood of a disaster affecting them and their loved ones, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone.  Make sure that you are not caught unprepared by researching a safe haven in your local area, putting together a disaster preparedness kit and by microchipping your pet.

pet disaster planning    pet identification    pet microchip