8 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster
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Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes, wildfires, or earthquakes, having an emergency preparedness plan in place can make all the difference in keeping your family, including your pets, safe. We spoke with pet safety experts to learn exactly what you can—and should—do for different types of natural disasters and what you should keep on hand in case of emergency.
1. Put Together an Emergency Kit
Pack a bag to grab quickly if you have to evacuate or shelter. Include enough pet supplies for 7–10 days, including food, water, medications, and bowls. Add a photo of you and your pet in case you get separated. Check expiration dates and update the kit twice a year.
2. Create a Plan
There are many circumstances you can’t control, but being prepared is one you can. Build a plan that outlines what you’ll do if an emergency were to occur. Know what kind of natural disasters are most likely to occur in your area and create a plan for each one. Draft additional plans for scenarios like flooding, power or water outages, and house fires.
To assist you, use a printable checklist found on aspca.org, then practice your family’s emergency plan. “Everyone should have an assigned role,” says Roxana Petzold, pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. “Who’s grabbing which bag? Who’s got the dog?”
3. Download a Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app is a great resource for emergencies, including step-by-step instructions for common health and safety issues. You can also connect your vet info and find emergency hospitals and pet-friendly hotels. Keep this on your phone and explore the different resources, so if there is an emergency, you can more easily navigate it.
4. Know What to Do If There’s a Fire
If there’s a wildfire and you need to evacuate, your pets should always go with you. That means creating a plan with potential places to shelter that will take pets. Since you can’t guarantee all evacuation sites will accept animals, research this now. Never let your pet near damaged property after a fire, and if air quality is poor, limit time outside.
If the fire is in your house, however, Susan Anderson, ASPCA senior director of disaster response, says, “Don’t go back in to grab your pet, as difficult as this is.”
Consider adding a pet alert decal to one of your windows so first responders know there are pets in your home.
5. Practice Taking Shelter for Tornadoes and Large Storms
If you need to take cover based on weather alerts and warnings, your pet does too. Go to the lowest level of your home in a room with no windows. After the storm, “Your pet might experience stress, fear, and disorientation. Familiar scents and landmarks might have changed,” Petzold says. Keep pets away from damaged electrical wires and trees, and look for debris on the ground that could be a hazard. Also, be aware that wildlife could have taken shelter in your home.
6. Prepare for a Hurricane or Flooding
If local officials issue evacuation orders, follow the same protocol as for a fire. “Never tether pets to a pole or a tree or anything that would prevent them from getting to a safe area,” Anderson says. If you can’t evacuate and there’s a risk of flooding, go to the highest level of your house. After a hurricane or flood, don’t let your pets drink standing water, as it can be contaminated.
7. Be Aware of What to Do If There’s an Earthquake
Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes often happen without warning. If you live in an area where they might occur, it’s important to have large furniture anchored to walls to protect people and animals from falling objects. For any disaster, but especially for earthquakes, identify places in your home where your pet might hide when scared. Additionally, be sure your pets are microchipped and the info is up-to-date.
8. Be Cautious in Extreme Temperatures
“If you don’t want to be outside, your pet shouldn’t be either,” Anderson says. In the cold, put jackets on small or short-haired pets as they have less natural protection. In the heat, test walking surfaces with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Treat an overheated pet with cooling packs or cold water on the head or armpits.
