Disaster Readiness
We’re ready for emergencies extraordinary and everyday.
As a resource center for pets and their people, we are committed to helping families through crises big and small. Whether we’re planning core programming to meet your needs or collaborating with community organizations and county agencies to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies, we are ready to respond to help keep animals in our community safe.
The Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Organization Disaster Plan Workbook can help your organization gather information to begin planning for your specific emergency plan. ASPCApro also provides sample plans for evacuation and sheltering as well as a disaster plan template.
What’s your disaster plan?
Do you know what to do with your pets in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other emergency? Planning ahead will give you peace of mind and ensure you, your family, and your pets are ready to weather the unexpected.
ID your pet. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag with up-to-date contact information, including your cell phone number. To increase the chances of reunification in case you and your pet are separated, microchip your pet and make sure the microchip registration is up to date and in your name.
This is a good spot to include info and/or links for microchipping services or clinics provided by your shelter.
Make a plan. Ready.gov and the Humane Society of the United States both offer clear guides on how to develop a disaster plan that includes your pets. A great first step is identifying a friend or neighbor who can temporarily care for your pets in the event you are away from home or hospitalized. HSUS also provides disaster-planning tips for community or outdoor cats, horses and animals on farms.
Build your disaster preparedness kit. Use this checklist from the Humane Society of the United States to make sure you have the necessary supplies for you and your pets in the event of an emergency.
(Lounging in the Cat Carrier by Byron Chin / CC BY)