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Dogs
What Do I Do Before a Disaster?
Our dogs rely on us for their safety, especially during an emergency. Planning ahead is the key to a successful evacuation.
**If You Need to Evacuate Without Your Pet**
Plan
Plan for different types of emergencies.
Ask a dependable neighbor or friend living nearby to take care of your dog in case disaster strikes and you cannot get back to your dwelling. He/she should have access to your house, know where your "Go Bag" is located and be familiar with your pets hiding places.
Have a dependable neighbor or friend that lives outside of your general area that will be willing to take care of your dog if you need to evacuate your town, city or county.
Contact hotels and motels in your surrounding area to see if your dog can stay with you in a room during an emergency. A list of websites of Pet-Friendly Hotels.
Have a list of veterinarians, boarding facilities/kennels, or local animal shelter will take care of your dog in an emergency.
Prepare
- Prepare a "Go Bag" for your dog and keep it in an easy accessible place (by the door or in a closet).
- Fill out "My Pet Vital Information" form and place it in your "Go Bag."
- Have a carrier or collapsible crate, for each of your dogs that are big enough for it to stand up/lie down, plus room for a water and food bowl. Keep this carrier/crate by the door or in an easily accessible place.
- Attach your dog's name, your name and contact information, and your veterinarian's name and number to the side or bottom of the cage/carrier in a plastic bag or document holder.
- Have current ID and Rabies tags ON your dog's collar or harness. Other contact information (yours or a family/friend) can also be useful.
- Become familiar with evacuation routes.
- Visit your local Office of Emergency Management website to sign up for automatic alerts.
Act
- Familiarize your dog with evacuation procedures by placing your pet in its crate or carrier several times a year.
- If your dog is not use to riding in vehicles, take your pets for short rides to familiarize it riding in automobiles and to decrease anxiety.
- Take your dog and "Go Bag" with you in an emergency.
