Montgomery County, PA

If you are a pet owner, your emergency plan must also include your pets. Think about how you will move your pet safely in an emergency situation. You should consider items such as a leash and a pet carrier. Also, plan how you will gather your pets and their supplies and where you would go if you must evacuate. Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.

If you need to Shelter in Place for a period of time, it is important to plan for your pets, too.  Store three days of water in your Shelter in Place kit (in addition to what you need for yourself and your family) and three days of food in an airtight waterproof container.

Emergency Planning Tips For Pet Owners:

• Contact friends or relatives outside your area to see if they would be willing to accommodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
• See if your veterinarian or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency.
• Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the emergency. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
• Know your pets’ hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.
• Make sure each pet has a license and ID tag.

Assemble A Pet Survival Kit That Can Be Ready To Go If You Are Evacuating Your Pet To A Kennel Or To Friends Or Family. You Should Include:

• Water, food and containers
• A leash/muzzle/harness
• A copy of all current vaccination and health records, license numbers and microchip numbers
• Medication for your pet (if needed)
• A pet carrier or cage (a luggage carrier can be used to wheel the carrier around)
• Plastic bags for pick-up
• Photo of your pet

Learn more about how pet owners can prepare for emergencies at www.ready.gov