This information was developed by the 

u.s. Department of Homeland Security in
 

consultation with:
 

American Kennel Club, The American Society
 

for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
 

American Veterinary Medical Association,
 

and The Humane Society of the U.S.
 

AMERICAN 

KENNEL (LUBoW 

11t:AMERlCAN SOCltTYFORlllE PRfVIMlONOf CRlJEllYTO AH lllILS 

Ready 

Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. 

Homeland Ready I Security Prepare. Plan. StayInformed. 

www.ready.gov 

READY-RP-0406-01. 
Prepare

Get a Pet Emer enc Su 

Just as you do with yourfamily's emergencysupplykit,think 

first aboutthe basicsfor survival, particularly food andwater. Consider 

two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay 

where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smallerversionyou 

can take with you if you and your pets haveto get away. Plus, be sure 

to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially 

foods and medicines, are fresh. 

Food. Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof 

container. 

Water. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets 

in addition to water you need for yourself and your family. 

Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container. 

First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most 

appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Most kits 

should include colton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; 

antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl 

alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book. 

Collar with 10 tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabiestag and identification at all times. Include a backup 

leash, collar and 10 tag in your pet's emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic 

bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You 

should also considertalking with your veterinarianabout permanent 

identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. 

Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you provided that 

it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be 

aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready 

for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for 

your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. 

Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, papertowels, plastictrash bags and household chlorine bleach 

to providefor your pet'ssanitation needs. Youcan use 

bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine partswater to 

one part bleach), or in an emergency you can 

also use it to purifywater. Use 16 drops of 

regular household liquid bleach per gallon 

ofwater. Do notusescentedor colorsafe 

bleaches, or those with addedcleaners. 

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 will help you document ownership and allow others to 

assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about 

species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics. 

Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. 

Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. 

Plan 

What You Will Do in an Em er enc . 

Be prepared to assess the situation. Use whatever 

you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet's 

safety during an emergency. 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 mayor 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, 

shelter-in-place 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 must evacuate, 

take your pets with you if practical. If you go to a public shelter, 

keep in mind your animals may not be allowed inside. Secure 

appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and 

type of 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 hosp ital 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. 

Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or 

relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or 

evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your 

pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them 

where you keep your pet's emergency supply kit. Also designate 

specific locations , one in your immed iate neighborhood and 

another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency. 

Talk to your pet's veterinarian 

about emergency planning. 

Discuss the types of things that you 

should include in your pet's emergency first aid kit. Get the names of 

vets or veterinary hospitals in other 

cities where you might need to seek 

temporary shelter. You should _---","!A 

also consider talking with your 

veterinarian about permanent 

identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet 

in a recovery database. If your pet is microchipped, keeping 

your emergency contact information up to date and listed 

with a reliable recovery database is essential to your being 

reunited with your pet. 

Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of 

area animal control agencies includ ing the Humane Society 

or SPCA, and 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 you r doors or windows, including 

information on the number and types of pets in your home 

to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a 

phone number on the sticker where you could be reached 

in an emergency. And , if time permits , remember to write 

the words "Evacuated with Pets" across the stickers, should 

you flee with your pets. 

Stay Informed 

Know About Types of Emergencies. 3- ­

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the 

unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit 

for yourself, your family and your pets , is the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it's important to stay 

informed about what might happen and know what types of 

emergencies are likely to affect your region as well as emergency plans that have been establ ished by your state and 

local government. For more information about how to prepare , visit www.ready.gov or call1-800-BE-READY. 

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal 

circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions 

received from authorities on the scene. With these simple 

preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Those 

who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will 

likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the 

time now to get yourself and your pet ready . 

Preparing for Your Pets Makes Sense. 

Get Ready Now.