Each June, ready.gov’s monthly preparedness campaign gets a little fluffier. LMU Emergency Management encourages all community members to ensure that your pets are emergency ready, especially with the National Weather Service predicting hotter-than-normal temperatures this summer.
Make an Emergency Plan
Don’t wait until a disaster hits, to decide what to do with your pets.
- Have an evacuation plan in place. Many public shelters and hotels don’t allow pets inside. Research a safe place to take your animals in case of evacuation, such as a pet-friendly hotel or relative’s home, a sufficient distance from your own.
- Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to ensure that someone is available to evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
- Have your pet microchipped. Keep your address and phone number up to date and include an emergency contact outside your immediate area.
- Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control for more info. If you’re unsure how to care for your pet in an emergency. They’ll be able to provide additional guidance and resources.
Build an Emergency Kit
Just like humans, animals need emergency supplies on hand, with fresh food, water, and medications. Have two kits ready, with a larger one to shelter in place and a lightweight version for evacuation. Be sure to include:
- Food. Keep several days’ supply in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Water. Store several days’ supply along with a bowl.
- Medicines. Keep an extra supply in a waterproof container.
- First aid kit. Ask your veterinarian about what’s appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.
- Collar with ID tag and leash. Include a backup leash, collar, and ID tag, along with copies of your pet’s registration and other important documents. Store in a waterproof container as well as electronically.
- Traveling bag, crate, or other carrier. Keep one for each animal.
- Grooming items. Including pet shampoo, conditioner, brush, and other items.
- Sanitation needs. As appropriate for your animal, include a litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.
- Familiar items. Favorite toys, treats, or bedding can help reduce stress.
- Photo of you and your pet together. If you get separated, a photo of you together will help establish ownership and assist in identifying your pet.
As with any emergency kit, remember to review contents regularly to ensure freshness.
Stay Informed
- Pay attention to news alerts and local forecasts, especially with high temperatures or inclement weather on the way. You can download the FEMA app for personalized alerts.
- Follow instructions from local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other disaster.
For further tips and resources, including those for large animals, visit the ready.gov pet preparedness page or LMU Emergency Management’s pet preparedness page.