Animals

Make a Plan

• Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
  • Purchase a pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier).
  • Food and water for at least 2 weeks for each pet
  • For cats: litter box and litter
  • For dogs: plastic bags for poop
  • Medications for at least 2 weeks
  • Medical records, including record of vaccination for rabies and other diseases, prescription medications, and medical history.
  • Sturdy leashes or harnesses
  • Microchip number
  • Contact information (cell phone, work phone, home phone) of owner and close relative or friends

Learn more.

Remember, during a disaster, what is good for you is good for your pet. If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured – or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.

Learn what to expect if you take your pet to an evacuation center.

Diseases that can spread between pets and people during a natural disaster

Natural disasters can contribute to the transmission of some diseases. Exposure to inclement weather conditions, stagnant water, wildlife or unfamiliar animals, and overcrowding can put your pet at risk for getting sick. Some of these illnesses can be transmitted between pets and people (also known as zoonotic diseases or zoonoses). Some common disaster-related diseases that pets can pass to people are the following: rabies, leptospirosis, and diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Learn more.

How to Keep Yourself and Your Pets Healthy During a Disaster

• Wash your hands after handling your pet, its food, or its waste.
• Do not let your pet lick your face or hands.
• Keep your pet up-to-date on all vaccinations and heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives.
• Practice safe handling of your pet, because your pet may behave differently during a stressful situation.
• Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash.
• Do not allow your pet to interact with other animals, especially wildlife and stray animals.
• Report any bite wounds to medical personnel immediately.
• Properly clean and disinfect cages and litterboxes. 
• Avoid stagnant water, especially after flooding occurring after natural disasters.
• Don’t allow pets to play in or drink contaminated water.

After an emergency, familiar scents and landmarks may have changed. Pets can become confused and lost, so it’s important to keep pets on leash or in a carrier when they’re being transported or when you go outside. Some hazards to be aware of for pets and people include snakes and other wildlife, especially after flooding, and downed power lines.

Returning Home

• Check your home for sharp objects, spilled chemicals, and exposed wiring to protect your family and your pets from injury.
• The behavior of animals may change dramatically after a flood, flash flood, thunderstorm, or hurricane. Normally quiet and friendly animals may become irritable.
• Monitor animals closely and only release them in a safe and secure environment.
• Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets.