Make a Pet Plan: Prepare for Disasters with Your Pets in Mind

The best way to protect your family during a disaster is to have a comprehensive disaster plan. If you’re a pet owner or care for larger animals (such as livestock), it’s important to include them in your planning.

If you need to evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Pets and livestock are unlikely to survive on their own, and even if they do, you may not be able to find them afterward. Protect your family and animals now, before disaster strikes.


Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters. However, it may be challenging to find shelter for other pets during a disaster, so plan ahead. Many communities are developing pet-friendly shelter options, but you need to verify if your local emergency shelters can accommodate your pets.

  • Check Hotel and Motel Policies: Call places outside your immediate area to ask about pet policies, especially in emergencies. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” locations, including phone numbers, with your disaster supplies. During an evacuation warning, call ahead to secure reservations.
  • Reach Out to Friends and Family: Ask if anyone outside the affected area can house your pets. If you have multiple pets, they may feel more secure together but be ready to keep them separately if necessary.
  • Local Resources: Research boarding facilities and veterinarians that could provide shelter for your pets. Animal shelters may also offer emergency housing, but this should be a last resort as they may be overwhelmed.

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Kit

Prepare a disaster kit for your pets that includes essential supplies for at least a week. Store these items in easily portable, sturdy containers. Your pet disaster kit should include:

  • Medications and medical records in a waterproof container
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers
  • A recent photo of you with your pet(s) for identification
  • Food, water, bowls, litter, and can opener
  • Feeding schedules, medical info, and your veterinarian’s contact
  • Pet beds and toys if transportable

Know What To Do When Disaster Approaches

If evacuation orders are issued and you’re not home, arrange for a trusted neighbor to help. This person should be familiar with your pets, know where your disaster kit is, and have access to your home. Make sure they have your contact information and a meeting location.

Important: Stress affects pets differently. Even well-behaved animals may panic or hide, so ensure dogs are leashed and cats are in carriers.


Planning for Larger Animals

For livestock or larger animals, consider the following when planning:

  • Have identification for each animal
  • Stock up on food, water, and medications
  • Plan for evacuation routes and shelter
  • Make sure you have resources for transporting animals, including trailers and handlers

Pet and Livestock Disaster Preparedness Checklist

General Preparedness:

  1. Create a Disaster Plan:
    • Identify safe places to take your pets.
    • Research local pet-friendly shelters and boarding facilities.
    • Prepare a list of pet-friendly hotels/motels outside your immediate area.
    • Discuss emergency plans with friends or family outside the affected area who could take your pets.
  2. Prepare Your Pet’s Emergency Kit:
    • Store items in portable, sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.).

Essential Pet Supplies:

  • Medications & Medical Records (store in waterproof container).
  • Leashes, Harnesses, Carriers to transport pets safely.
  • Recent Photo of You with Your Pet for identification in case of separation.
  • Food & Water (minimum of 7 days’ supply).
  • Bowls for food and water.
  • Litter and Pan (for cats).
  • Can Opener (for canned food).
  • Toys and Bedding to comfort your pet.
  • List of Feeding Schedules & Veterinary Information.
  • Collar with ID Tags & County License.
  • Impact-Resistant Carrier for small pets.
  • Disposable Bowls.

Pet First Aid Kit:

  • Antidiarrheal Stomach Relief Tablets (1/2 tablet for dogs over 40 lbs., ¼ tablet for dogs under 40 lbs., every 12 hours).
  • Antibiotic Ointment (for topical wound treatment).
  • Betadine (for cleaning deep or puncture wounds).
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (for wound cleaning or inducing vomiting in emergencies, consult a vet).
  • Isopropyl Alcohol (disinfectant).
  • Saline Solution (for eye wash or cleaning wounds).
  • Cotton-Tipped Swabs.
  • Gauze Pads & Rolls.
  • Non-Adherent Bandage Pads.
  • Bandage Tape.
  • Styptic Pencil (for blood clotting).
  • Syringe or Eye Dropper (for applying liquids like peroxide or saline solution).
  • Digital Thermometer (rectal use for accurate temperature readings).
  • Tweezers (for removing debris).
  • Bandage Scissors.
  • Tongue Depressors (can be used as small animal splints).
  • Latex Gloves (for hygienic handling).

Additional Items:

  • Leash.
  • Emergency Information List (contact details, emergency contacts, vet info).
  • Pet Hurricane Preparedness Guide:
    1. Hurricane Guidelines for Pets.
    2. Pet Microchip Identification (make sure your pet’s microchip information is updated).
  • Disposable Bowls (for emergency feeding).

Larger Animals (Livestock) Preparedness:

  • Identification: Ensure each animal has a form of identification (e.g., branding, ear tags, etc.).
  • Food & Water: Have a minimum 7-day supply for each animal.
  • Medications & Medical Records: Store in a waterproof container.
  • Handling Equipment: Rope, halters, and leads.
  • Bedding: Ensure you have dry bedding available.
  • Evacuation Plan:
    • Identify potential shelter locations.
    • Map out different evacuation routes.
    • Ensure vehicles and trailers are ready for animal transport.
  • Experienced Handlers: Have trained personnel ready to assist with animal transport if needed.

As a Disaster Approaches:

  1. Contact Friends or Shelters:
    • Reach out to your pre-identified pet-friendly hotels or shelters to confirm availability.
    • Coordinate with your trusted neighbor or pet sitter to pick up and transport your pets if you’re not home.
  2. Evacuate Safely:
    • Transport pets in carriers or use sturdy leashes.
    • Don’t leave pets unattended as they may panic and try to escape.
    • Keep animals leashed or crated while evacuating.
    • Monitor pets closely for stress-induced behaviors after returning home.

Animal-Related Emergency Response

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) leads the state’s emergency response for animal and agricultural issues. For additional resources, visit the following: