Disaster Preparedness Tips

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization, offers the following tips for protecting companion animals during emergencies:

• If you evacuate, do not leave your pets behind!
  
  
• Securely fasten an up-to-date identification tag on your pet's collar. It's a good idea to have a friend or family member's phone number on the tag so that someone who finds your pet will be able to reach someone who knows you.
• Carry a photo of your pet with you for identification purposes.
• Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes or harnesses.
• Most emergency shelters will not accept pets. Call hotels in safe areas and ask if you can bring your pets. Ask the manager if "no pets" policies could be lifted during the disaster.
• If you and your pet can't stay together, contact friends, family, veterinarians and boarding kennels in safe areas to arrange for foster care.
• Be sure to pack a week's worth of food, water and other supplies such as cat litter and medication.
• If you have to be rescued, emergency officials may not allow you to take your pets so don't wait until the last minute to evacuate if you have animals.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (veterinarian, local animal control and humane societies, Red Cross, etc.) accessible.

The HSUS offers a brochure, "Pets and Disasters: Get Prepared," which can be obtained free of charge by sending a business-size self-addressed, stamped envelope to HSUS Disaster Services, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Online resources:
The full text of the "Pets and Disasters" brochure is available online at
Disaster Planning and Response, on our Links page.-->

For in-depth, expert assistance, community planners and animal-care professionals may contact The HSUS's Disaster Services Program, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037; 301-258-3119.