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Catastrophe Preparation - Keep Pets Safe
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How Can I Keep My Pets Safe in a Disaster?
File a Claim or Call 1-800-54-Storm
Pets play a starring role in many households and are important members of the family. If you have pets, would you know how to protect and care for them in the face of a hurricane, flood or tornado? Without advance planning and proper action, they could become innocent victims. Here are some tips on caring for your valued pets before, during and after a disaster.
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Preparation Tips
  • Contact your local animal shelter, humane society, veterinarian or emergency management office. Find out if public shelters allow animals, or if special shelters for pets are established during an emergency. Will your veterinarian or local humane society care for your pets temporarily? Make sure guide dogs for persons who are blind, hearing-impaired or disabled are allowed to accompany their owners.
  • Prepare for the possibility that you may have to leave your pets behind if you evacuate your home. Pick a safe location, preferably an easy-to-clean room with a fresh water supply like a bathroom or utility room. High counters would allow the pet to escape floodwaters. Cats and dogs should have separate locations, even if they normally get along together. Their behavior may change during an emergency.
  • Buy a pet carrier and train your pet to become comfortable in it. It's always best to take your pet with you, and the carrier will make it safer and easier.
  • If your pet requires medication or a special diet, ask your veterinarian what to do in case you have to leave it alone for a few days.
  • Make sure your pet has an identification tag that has your name, address and phone number. Replace a chain link collar with a leather or nylon collar.
  • When assembling emergency supplies for the family, include these items for your pets: extra food (preferably dry) in sturdy containers, kitty litter, large self-feeder and water dispenser, and extra medications. Birds need food every day. Make sure they have adequate food dispensers. Make copies of your pets' shot records. Most kennels require proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations.
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Safety Tips
  • Don't wait for severe weather to strike before bringing pets inside. They could panic and run away. Never leave a pet tied up outside during a storm.
  • Don't tranquilize pets. It could dull their survival instincts and lead to harm.
  • If you must evacuate and leave a pet behind, prepare the safe location you have chosen with the pet's favorite toys and bedding, a supply of dry food and water in a sturdy, no-spill container. Consider turning on a faucet to let water drip into a big container. If you leave a pet in a bathroom, leave some water in the bathtub.
  • Make sure birds are caged. Cover the cage with a thin cloth to provide security and filtered light.
  • If you take your pets with you, be sure to carry their emergency supplies with you.
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Recovery Tips
  • Leash your pets when they go outside during the first few days after a disaster or storm and pay special attention to their whereabouts. Familiar scents and landmarks may be changed or gone, and they could become confused or lost.
  • Keep pets away from downed power lines.
  • Protect the pets from snakes and other small animals and insects that may appear in the aftermath of floods.
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This section highlights examples of safety precautions that you can consider when making emergency preparations for your pet. Please recognize that a particular precaution may not be appropriate or effective in every circumstance. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate.
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