Preparing Your
Pets
for Emergencies
As communities around the country follow stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many people may have welcomed new pets into their homes! While enjoying quality time with your pets, we encourage you to prepare by considering your pet in your emergency planning.
Consider the following to ensure that you and your pets are prepared in case of an emergency:
• Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember that what is typically best for you is typically best for your pet, too;
• Build a separate emergency kit for your pets. Ensure you include food, water, medicine, a favorite toy, and other essential items;
• Be sure to keep digital records, such as medical and veterinary information, and pictures that you can use to identify your pet after a disaster in case you become separated; and
• Create a list of places, such as pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or veterinary offices, that accept pets if an emergency happens and you need to leave your home. Keep in mind that, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels or shelters may be operating under new guidelines. Be sure to research current rules for your state and city.
To learn more about pet preparedness and find tips and tools for both pet and large animal owners, please visit https://www.ready.gov/pets.