Emergency preparedness for pets and service animals

Before an emergency

Prepare for emergencies to help keep pets and service animals safe.

• Identify your pet or service animal by ensuring they wear identification at all times
• Consider a microchip for identification and tracking
• Keep a pet or service animal file which includes:
  • recent photos
  • emergency contact numbers
  • medical and vaccination records
  • copies of licenses and training centre information

Emergency kits

Prepare an emergency kit that includes items for your pets and service animals. This includes:

• A crate or carrier
• A leash or harness
• Food and water for at least 72 hours (4L/day per average dog, 1L/day per average cat)
• Bowls and can opener
• Medications, dosage and veterinarian's contact information
• Newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, litter and litter box
• A first-aid kit for pets
• Blanket and toys
• Your pet or service animal's file

Plan for evacuations

The best way to protect your pet or service animal in an emergency is to bring them with you.

• Most evacuation shelters will only accept service animals
• Make a list of where your pet can stay in of an evacuation:
  • Hotels that accept animals during emergencies
  • Boarding centres and animal shelters
  • Animal clinics
  • Family members and friends' homes
• Include your pet or service animal when practising your household emergency plan

During an emergency

• Keep your pet or service animal inside during severe weather
  • Animals are very sensitive to temperature changes and may hide when scared
  • Never leave animals outside or tethered during a storm
• Separate your animals
  • Keep cats and dogs apart
  • Keep smaller pets, such as hamsters, away from larger animals
  • Stress can lead to unusual behaviour
• Keep a stock of newspaper inside for hygiene purposes
• Use wet food to help reduce water consumption
• Take animals with you during an evacuation
• If you must leave your pets or service animal at home:
  • Don't tether or cage them
  • Post a sign with the quantity and type of animals inside
  • Provide water and food and consider using timed dispensers
  • Leave toilet seats up