DIVISION OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT 863-385-1112
PET PREPAREDNESS
Pet Supply Kit
You already know that it is very
important to have a Disaster Supply Kit for yourself and your household. If you
have pets, it is imperative that you include supplies for them as well. The
following is a list of supplies to have prepared for your pet at all times:
Water!!
Make sure to have clean water stored for your pet in addition to the water for
yourself and your household. Plan on a 3-14 day supply—large dogs may need a
gallon of water per day, so be generous with this supply. You do not want to
ever have to ration water consumption.
Food
Food should be canned or stored in water-tight containers. If you choose canned
food, remember to keep a manual can opener.
- Bowls for food and water
- Collar and identification
tag
- Leash and/or carrying
case
- Medications
- First Aid Supplies
- Toys and treats
- Recent photo
- Sanitary Needs, Litter,
Newspapers, Litter Scooper, Plastic Bags, Towels
- Up-to-date
health records
Evacuations
If you must evacuate for any type
of emergency, don’t leave your pets behind. If you are going to the home of a
friend or family member, make sure you can bring your pet with you. If you plan
to go to a hotel or motel, investigate which are pet-friendly (see Pets and
Shelters on our webpage for a list of motels that accept pets). If you plan to go to an Evacuation Shelter,
pets
The following is information about pets and hurricane evacuation centers is
provided by the American Red Cross:
Why can't people bring pets to a Red Cross disaster shelter?
Shelters are places of refuge for all members of the community, many of whom
have allergies related to pets or who are afraid of certain animals. The Red
Cross is concerned about the care, health, and comfort of all people in our
shelters. Public health, animal control, physical space, hygiene, and other issues
all indicate that animals are best kept separated from congregate shelters.
The American Red Cross will continue to admit to its disaster or evacuation
shelters individuals with disabilities accompanied by their service animals.
Pets and other animals, however, cannot be admitted to Red Cross shelters for
the reasons cited above. Red Cross cannot operate animal shelters, and animal
shelters operated by others cannot be identified with the Red Cross. Disaster
Services at national headquarters will continue working with The Humane Society
of the
Shelter in place
If you do not have to evacuate during an emergency and you feel safe staying in your home, first, follow the general guidelines for sheltering-in-place. If you are going to a safe-room, take your pets and your pet supply kit with you. Remember that emergencies can be stressful situations for animals just as for people. Even the most well-behaved pet may take on unpredictable behavior in these situations. Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrying case throughout the disaster. Try to keep their routines as normal as possible.