Emergency Evacuation for Pets

Hurricane season is coming.  No, not quite yet, but now is the time to prepare. Take tips from the people who live in earthquake country. You know how to prepare for yourself:  flashlights, candles, food, water, blankets.  What if you must evacuate?  Full tank of gas, emergency cash; you take your valuables, one category of which should be your pets.


A wagon will not be sufficient to transport your animals to safety.

Do not leave your pets behind.  It is cruel and you will most likely never see them again. Your pets very likely cannot accompany you to the people shelter.  Let's talk dogs and cats. 
Collar, microchip, tattoo, these are a start.  You should have a plastic zip bag with information in it to attach to the collar, identification of where you are, how to reach you, and a phone number of someone out of state who can take messages for you.  Your veterinarian's info is also important, and any info on medication your pet is taking.

For each pet, you should have a kennel/crate, collar (dog) and harness (cat).  Most of these will store in two pieces nested; nest from largest to smallest for easy access. Put the rest inside the nested halves of carriers. Be sure the cat carriers are large enough to accommodate a small kitty pan and a small pair of dishes. Think 72 hours for your pets' confinement and plan accordingly.  Dogs will of course have to get out to potty, on a leash, but otherwise that may be their home and they will need room for two small dishes also.

LABEL each carrier.  Do this BEFORE a disaster strikes.  On a sheet of paper, list all pertinent information including address, phone numbers, veterinary information.  Put this in a large zip bag and tie it or tape it securely to the top of the carrier. For dogs (and cats) place a copy of their vaccine record in the bag, if nothing else, a rabies certificate.  Don't forget to store blankets and a toy or two, plus plastic dishes and a kitty box, with the crates so all is ready to go.

Importantly, include a photo of yourself with your pet in the bag attached to the animal and/or carrier. This could help you reclaim your pet if lost.  Keep a second photo on your body as well.  And, make and keep a list of pet friendly hotels and boarding facilities within a 100 mile radius in case you need to rent a room for you and your pets.  

Also, in a plastic 18 gallon or smaller tub with lid (much larger and it will be too heavy to carry), pack the following and rotate out every 6 months.

• 5 day (or more?) supply of canned and dry food
• 5 gallons of water (this will weigh 40 pounds!) for each large dog,
• 1 gallon ( 8 pounds) for each cat or small dog
• Pets' medicines, and instructions (refrigerated medicine? take an icepack in Styrofoam)
• Information on pets' diet including what not to feed
• Copies of pet information and proof of ownership in those handy zip plastic bags
• First aid kit with matches*
• Lighting with fresh batteries or solar lanterns
• Trash bags, stakes/tie outs, litter scoop
• Newspaper, kitty litter

*That first aid kit will not be like the human kind.  Here's some important items to have in addition to rolls of tape: vet wrap, non-stick gauze pads, eye wash, washcloths, flea and tick repellent, cotton swabs, scissors, charcoal tablets, latex gloves.

Remember to evacuate as early as possible to secure resources, and take advantage of escape routes that may be jammed later. Remember, a secure collar or harness on every pet with identification.  If you are ready to move your animals beforehand, you will stand the best chance of saving the WHOLE family.