Our pets are important members of our family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. At ACP, we have valuable resources and community connections within our chapters to support you. Check out our ACP Pet Photos here – they happily belong to owners who are committed to ACP for support in their careers and personal lives.  

Here are some helpful tips from www.ready.gov to get you started or serve as a reminder as you refresh your plans.  

Make a plan.  

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen. 

• 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. 

• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area. 

• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency. 

Build an emergency kit. 

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container. 

• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water. 

• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine 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. 

• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.  

• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet. 

• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up. 

• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. 

• 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. 

• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. 

Stay informed. 

• Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed: 

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials. 

• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place. 

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States. 

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.