Humane Society Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

If You Have Pets:

• Be sure you have pet carriers for all pets Gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time.
• All your pets should be wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number.
• If your cat escapes the cat carrier and becomes lost, you should be able to provide a photograph. • Have a place to go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation. Find animal-friendly motels nearby. Find out where your local emergency animal shelter is located.
• Be sure you have your veterinarian's telephone number on your list of emergency numbers in case your dog or cat becomes ill.
• Have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work.
• Be sure you know where your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit" is located. If You Have Horses
• Be sure you can have your horses loaded on the trailer ready to leave in time. Be sure your horse trailer will hold all your horses. Practice trailering up your horse.
• Be sure your horse is wearing a halter with her name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number on it.
• Know where you can go with your horses in the event of an emergency evacuation. Know where your local emergency equine shelter is located.
• Have your horses' Coggins tests in your emergency packet to present to the officer at the emergency shelter.
• Be sure when you arrive at the emergency shelter to pick up your horse after several days, that you can provide identification photos and descriptions from your emergency packet to prove ownership. If You Have Livestock Animals
• Evacuate animals as soon as possible. Be ready to leave once the evacuation is ordered. In slowly evolving disaster such as a hurricane, leave no later than 72 hours before anticipated landfall, especially if you will be hauling a high-profile trailer such as a horse trailer. Remember: ven a fire truck fully loaded with water is considered “out of service” in winds exceeding 40 mph.
• Work within your community to establish safe shelters for farm animals. Potential facilities include fairgrounds, other farms, racetracks, humane societies, and convention centers. Survey your community and potential host communities along your planned evacuation route.
• Contact your local emergency management authority and become familiar with at least two possible evacuation routes well in advance.
• Set up safe transportation including trucks and trailers suitable for livestock and appropriate for each type of animal, along with experienced handlers and drivers.
• Take all your disaster supplies with you or make sure they will be available at your evacuation site. These include feed, water, veterinary supplies, handling equipment, tools, and generators, if necessary.
• If your animals are sheltered off your property, make sure that they remain in familiar groupings, securely contained and sheltered from the elements. All information was provided by The Humane Society of the United States. For additional information on disaster safety involving livestock call 202-452-1100; or visit humanesociety.org/emergency.