It’s important to keep your pets safe in disaster situations. If you don’t already have a plan, now is the time to make one. Below are some tips for keeping your furry friends safe.
Ensure that your pets are microchipped and wearing collars. Keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
Plan a safe place to stay. Not all hotels allow pets. Make plans with friends or relatives, or research nearby pet-friendly hotels.
What would happen to your pet if a disaster struck and you weren’t home? Designate a trusted caregiver, preferably someone who lives close to you, and make sure they have a spare set of your keys.
Put together a disaster kit. This kit should contain:
- A week’s supply of food and bottled water, including bowls.
- At least a 2-week supply of medications, plus medical records, stored in a waterproof container. Consider including a pet first aid book.
- A leash, harness, and carrier so you can easily transport your pet to a safe location. Blankets and towels inside the carrier will help keep your pet comfortable.
- Litter box, litter, scoop, and garbage bags.
- Current photos and descriptions of your pets. If you become separated, this will help rescue workers find your animals.
If you evacuate, take your pet. It’s impossible to know how long you’ll be away from home. When planning for a disaster, assume you won’t be able to return home for several weeks, even if you’re told it will only be a day. Pets left behind in a disaster can be easily injured, killed, or lost. If you need to evacuate, do your best to take your pet with you.
Join the Sido Pet Protection Program! The San Francisco SPCA’s Sido Pet Protection Program offers an innovative way to plan for your pets’ futures so your dog or cat will be cared for if they outlive you. Enrolling your pet in the Sido Pet Protection Program is easy. To get started, contact the Development team at sido@sfspca.org.