Survival Kit - Pet Preparedness Information

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Published by: Homeland Security & Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)











First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Most kits should include: cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors. Also, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.


Collar with ID tag, booties, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. in your pet's emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents, medical records and a recent photo of you and your dog in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and add them to your kit. You should consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.




Have a picture of you and your pet together: If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together. This will help document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.




Plan what You Will Do in an Emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.


Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions. If you're specifically told to evacuate, go to a public shelter or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.


Create a plan to get away: Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your other animals (besides your service dog) may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of other animals in your care. Consider family or friends willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family's meeting place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.




Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet's emergency supply kit.


Obtain "Pets Inside" stickers and place them on your doors or windows, including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. If you feel comfortable, consider writing a phone number on the sticker where you can be reached in case of an emergency. If time permits, remember to write the words "Evacuated with Pets" across the stickers, should you leave your home with your pets.


Familiarize yourself about Types of Emergency’s:


