Pets are part of our families. When developing your emergency preparedness kit, include supplies to last 72 hours for your pet such as:
Food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
Blanket and a small toy
Leash and/or harness
Muzzle, if required by local by-laws
Cat litter and pan
Plastic bags
Carrier for transport
Medications and medical records, including vaccinations
Information about feeding schedules, medications, or behavioural problems in case you must board your pet
Up-to-date ID tag with your name and telephone number and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian.
Copy of licence, if required by local by-laws
Current photograph in case your pet gets lost
Evacuation centres do not accept pets due to health regulations.
Before an emergency:
Check with hotels and motels outside your immediate area to see if they would accept pets in an emergency situation
Prepare a listing of boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters that may accept pets during an emergency
Check with family and friends living outside your immediate area who may be able to shelter a pet
Make arrangements with a trusted neighbour to evacuate your pet, along with the pet's emergency supplies, and meet you at a prearranged location if you are not home during an emergency evacuation
During an emergency:
Keep your pet with familiar people and on a leash. Even the most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape or even bite or scratch.
If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to the prearranged place if they cannot be with you. It is more dangerous to leave your pet at home alone during an evacuation.
After an emergency:
Inspect your home and property and remove any hazards such as broken metal, glass shards or electrical wires, that may harm your pet.
For a few days following the emergency, do not allow your pet to go outside unattended since he may become disoriented and lost in a changed landscape.
Monitor your pet for changes in behaviour. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.