Are You & Your Dog Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

These days, there's a high likelihood that you and your dog will need to evacuate in a disaster situation. The Pet Preparedness Social Media Toolkit can help you with emergency preparation and with essential steps to take when you and your dog are in harm's way.

Your Emergency Preparedness Must Include Your Pet

Including your pet in emergency preparedness plans involves taking care of the following:

• Having an action plan for how you will respond in an emergency with your pet

• Find out where you can take your pet if an emergency happens

• Having a stocked pet emergency kit ready to go

• Keeping digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet in case you become separated

• Utilizing the Pet Preparedness Social Media Toolkit

What is the Pet Preparedness Social Media Toolkit?

The Pet Preparedness Social Media Toolkit has safety and preparedness messages you can share on your social media channels. You can either copy these messages directly or customize them to reach your audience. Some of the resources in the kit include:

• Download the FEMA app

• “Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners” (4:22) (YouTube)

• Following #PetPreparedness for helpful tips

• Become Familiar with the ReadyGov Pet Planning Guide

• Planning guide for large animals or livestock

Emergency Evacuation with a Pet

Every dog owner needs to practice their evacuation plan with their pet and any family members. This means loading up your essentials into the car with your pets and following the evacuation route for your area. Get your pet familiar with their carrier or secure space in the car. Make sure your dog is comfortable; this will help reduce their anxiety in the event of an evacuation.

Remember: Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be lost, injured, or killed. Don't leave your pets behind.

American Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness and Recovery