Preparing Your Pet for a Disaster

Emergencies can strike at any time, and while we often prepare for ourselves, our pets need protection too. Without a plan, pets are at risk of injury, getting lost, or worse. Whether it's an earthquake, wildfire, hurricane, or severe weather event, preparing in advance can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure their safety before, during, and after a disaster. 

Learn how Quake Kits offered a helping hand to our furry friends during the LA wildfire tragedy.

Before a Disaster: Plan Ahead

• Identification: Ensure your pet has a collar with up-to-date tags and a registered microchip. A microchip is one of the most effective ways to reunite with your pet if you become separated. Make sure your contact details are current with the microchip registry.

• Emergency Kit: Prepare a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, a leash, and a carrier. Your kit should be stored in an easily accessible location and checked regularly for expired items. Our dog and cat kits are great ways to ensure your pet has the supplies needed whether sheltering in place or during an evacuation. 

• Evacuation Plan: Know where you’ll take your pet if you need to leave. Many emergency shelters do not accept pets (except for service animals), so research pet-friendly hotels, emergency boarding facilities, or arrange a safe location with family or friends ahead of time.

• Transportation: Keep a leash and carrier ready near exits, and practice evacuating with your pet to reduce stress in an actual emergency. Carriers should be sturdy and well-ventilated to ensure safety during travel.

• Medical Records: Store copies of your pet’s vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag. Some emergency shelters or boarding facilities may require proof of vaccinations.

What to Include in Your Pet Emergency Kit

• At least two weeks’ worth of food and water stored in airtight, waterproof containers

• Medications and copies of medical records, including vaccination proof

• Leash, collar, and harness (reflective collars are ideal for visibility in low-light conditions)

• Carrier or crate with bedding for comfort

• Waste disposal bags and litter for cats

• Familiar items like toys and blankets to reduce stress

• Contact information for your veterinarian, emergency pet shelters, and trusted friends or family

During a Disaster: Keep Your Pet Safe

• Evacuate Together: Never leave your pet behind. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. Leaving pets behind puts them at serious risk of injury, exposure to hazardous conditions, or becoming lost.

• Sheltering in Place: Choose a safe room free of hazards, such as sharp objects or exposed wires. Remove any toxic plants or chemicals that could harm your pet.

• Minimize Stress: Keep pets in their carriers or on a leash to prevent them from running away in panic. Familiar items like blankets and toys can help soothe them.

• Monitor for Health Issues: Floodwaters and debris can contain harmful bacteria or toxins. If your pet is exposed, clean their paws and fur thoroughly, and watch for signs of illness.

After a Disaster: Ensure Their Well-being

• Stay Leashed: The landscape may have changed, and familiar scents may be gone, making pets more prone to getting lost. Always keep them on a leash or in a carrier when outside.

• Check for Hazards: Look for debris, spilled chemicals, or other dangers before letting your pet explore. Downed power lines and standing water can pose serious threats.

• Watch for Behavioral Changes: Stress can affect pets differently. If you notice unusual behavior such as excessive hiding, aggression, or refusal to eat, contact a veterinarian.

• Reunification Resources: If your pet goes missing, check local shelters, post on lost pet databases, and alert microchip registries. Many rescue groups work to reunite pets with their owners after disasters.

• Help Emergency Workers Find Your Pets

   

  

  To let others know your pets are in your home, the ASPCA recommends that you use a rescue alert sticker. It should be visible to rescue workers and include information about your veterinarian and the type and number of pets in the household.

  In the event you evacuate with your pet (if you have the time) write "EVACUATED” across the stickers. This will ensure that rescue workers don’t waste their time searching for them.

Quake Kits: Supporting Pets in Disasters

At Quake Kits, we understand the importance of pet safety and are committed to helping animals in crisis. Following the devastating LA wildfires, we donated thousands of pet supplies to affected pet owners through the human society. Our donations included dog toys, metal tie-out stakes to prevent pets from running away, reflective and tie-out leashes, reflective collars for visibility, waste disposal bags, and food bowls. We believe that every pet deserves a fighting chance in an emergency, and we continue to support pet owners in disaster preparedness efforts.

Stay Prepared and Protect Your Pets

Disasters are unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can ensure your pet stays safe no matter what comes your way. Review and update your emergency plan regularly, and keep your pet’s emergency kit stocked. When disaster strikes, being ready can make all the difference.

If putting together your own pet emergency kit feels overwhelming, pre-assembled kits are available for purchase. Check and replace expired supplies regularly to keep everything in top condition. A little preparation today can save your pet’s life tomorrow.