Pets are part of the family, too! Planning for what you will do with them if an emergency occurs is critically important -for them, and for you. If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress, and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency.
Build a Kit for Your Pet
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival. Check this kit yearly, ensuring items are up to date and fresh.
- Food and water
- Bowl, plate, or other item for feeding/drinking
- Medicine
- First aid kit
- Backup collar with ID tag
- Harness or leash
- Travel bag, crate, or sturdy carrier
- A recent picture of you and your pet
- Sanitation needs - pet litter/litter box, waste bags
- Familiar items - favorite toys, treats, and/or bedding to reduce stress
Have copies of your pet’s vaccination record, and make sure your pet is microchipped. Keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
Make a Plan
If you are asked to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured, or worse. Have a plan for what you'll do with your pets if a storm hits. The City of Norfolk's emergency shelters are pet-friendly for domestic animals only, such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, or turtles that are traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. Owners will be responsible for their pets while they are at the shelter.
- Plan for your pet well in advance if you live in an evacuation area. Write down your plan or create a checklist.
- If bad weather is expected, leave their collar and ID tag on. Bring animals inside during hazardous weather.
- Take your pet when you evacuate. Know your evacuation route and when you will evacuate.
- Ask friends or family living outside of evacuation areas if they can keep your pet.
- Make sure you have a collar and leash to keep your pet under control.
- Keep a pet carrier (portable kennel) for each pet – one that allows your pet to stand and turn around. The carrier should be marked with your pet's identification.
- Make sure all your pet's vaccinations are current and have proof available of its current city-issued tag and rabies vaccination.
- Pack supplies for your pet including current veterinary records, a two-week supply of food and water, medications with instructions, bowls, favorite toy and blanket, cat litter/pan, plastic bags, collar/leash, disinfectants to handle pet wastes, and a current photo of you with your pet.
- If you must use a kennel as a last resort, make sure it is not in an evacuation zone and reserve space as soon as possible. Kennels require proof of vaccinations.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification with either a collar tag or a microchip implant.
- Have proof of current rabies vaccination available. A license is your pet's ticket home.
