Life-threatening emergencies can hit anyone, anytime. Look at the wildfires in the west, and the hurricanes in the south.

It is important to remember your pets and other animals in an emergency. Because you will have to move quickly, it helps to have a plan for ready. This article can get you started on a plan that may safe your life, as well as that of your dog or cat.

Disasters In Many Forms
Whether a housefire or a wildfire, an earthquake or a storm, there may come a time when you will either need to leave your home with short notice, or when you may be confined to your home without basic services.

You may have advance warning of possible evacuation or emergency situations, as in the case of a wildfire miles away but moving toward you. Often though, the notice to evacuate will come with only minutes to spare. Other disasters occur without warning, such as an earthquake.

Planning for Your Pets in Case of Emergency
Plan ahead for places to go with your pets, or for places to board the pets if necessary.

Take your pet with you if you need to evacuate. Chances are you won’t be allowed back into the area to rescue them later, and they will not be able to take care of themselves. Many states are preparing plans to make it easier for you to evacuate your pets, and to be reunited with your dogs and cats when given the all-clear.

Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. Cats may hide, dogs may become fearful and avoid you. Allow extra time so that you can gather the animals in as calm a manner as possible.

Have all dogs on a leash or in crates. Put cats and small animals in carriers.

Pets May Feel Anxiety, Too
You will most likely be anxious and possibly afraid, and definitely acting differently than the norm. Your pet will pick up on these feelings and be anxious also. No matter how well behaved and trustworthy they may normally be, do not count on them behaving as usual.

Have current identification on all animal collars. It is a good idea to have additional, temporary tags with emergency contact numbers on them. If your emergency plan includes where you will be evacuating to, you can have these tags ready to go ahead of time. You can get temporary tags that you can write on at many pet shops. Some have stick on laminate to protect them, some can be put in the oven to be made permanent.

It is also a good idea to include information about any medical conditions or medicines your pet requires on their collars in case you do get separated.

Prepare Pet Emergency Kit
Have an evacuation kit for your pets along with your own. Include food, water, medicines, medical records. For a complete list, see Emergency Kit for Pets

Have a list of phone numbers with you. Include local animal shelters, your vet and emergency contact numbers.

Not all situations will require evacuation; you will want to also be prepared for disasters that leave you without electricity, telephone services, escape routes, etc. The Red Cross recommends having enough emergency food and water for at least three days.

Disaster may also strike while you are away from home. If possible, try to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor in case something happens while you are gone.

Being Prepared Saves Lives - Yours and Pets
Having emergency supplies on hand, knowing where to go and who to call will increase your and your pet’s chances of safely surviving a disaster.

And lastly, never do anything that will further risk your life or the lives of others. If grabbing your evacuation kit or other supplies or possessions will put you in danger, leave them behind!

Where to Find More Information
American Red Cross - Pets and Disasters
Department of Homeland Security - Ready America
ASPCA - Emergency Pet Preparedness
HSUS - Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Pet Rescue Decals - If you are not home when disaster strikes

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