If you have pets, it is necessary to include them in your Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Before an Emergency

Items to add to your kit, depending on your pet:

• food and potable water for 72 hours; dry pet food is ideal
• bowls, paper towels and a can opener
• a blanket and a small toy
• a leash and/or harness
• a muzzle (if required)
• cat litter and pan
• plastic bags
• a carrier for transporting
• medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
• information about feeding schedules, medications, or behavioural problems in case you must board your pet
• an up-to-date ID tag with your name and telephone number and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian.
• a copy of your pet license (if required in your municipality)
• a current photo in case your pet gets lost

Due to health regulations, evacuation centres do not accept pets.  Before an emergency occurs check with hotels and motels outside your immediate area to see if they would accept pets in an emergency situation.

• Prepare a list of boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters that may accept pets during an emergency.
• Check with family and friends living outside your immediate area who may be able to shelter a pet.
• Make arrangements with a trusted neighbour to evacuate your pet, along with the pet’s emergency supplies if you are not home during an evacuation.  Meet you at a prearranged location to reunite with your pet.

During an Emergency

• Keep your pet with you and on a leash.  Even the most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or bite and scratch.
• If you must evacuate do not leave your animals behind.  Deliver them to a pre-arranged place if they cannot be with you.  It is dangerous to leave your pet at home alone during an evacuation.

After an Emergency

• Inspect your home and property and remove any hazards such as broken metal, glass shards, or electrical wires.  Do not let your pet out until you are sure that the area is safe and that your yard is secure.