Evac-kit hEvacuation Bags

To help pet owners be more prepared for a house fire or natural disaster, we developed Emergency Evacuation Bags to have ready to go. When disaster strikes, grab your pet, take the bag, and get to safety!

These drawstring bags each contain a blanket, a collapsible food and water bowl, a pet first aid kit, a slip leash, and a waterproof bag for medical records and medications. Each bag also contains a booklet of information about how to help all family members, from birds to livestock, survive a disaster.

Disaster Preparation for Your Pet

Emergencies come in many forms. Evacuation may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different  measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Step 1: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers. It should include

  • the types and number of pets in your household
  • the name of your veterinarian
  • your veterinarian’s phone number.

If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers. Countrycare Animal Complex has emergency stickers available – see us for details.

dogumreallStep 2: Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

  • Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
  • Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter for pets.
  • Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
  • Ask friends and relatives if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Step 3: Emergency Supplies & Traveling Kits

Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

  • Pet first-aid kit and guide book (we have first aid kits available for purchase)
  • 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (rotate every two months)
  • Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
  • Litter or paper toweling
  • Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
  • Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
  • Pet feeding dishes
  • Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
  • Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your kit—otherwise they may become expired.)
  • Bottled water, enough to last 7 days for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
  • A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
  • Flashlight
  • Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
  • Recent photos of your pets (in case you need to make “Lost” posters)
  • Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter
  • Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys.

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication, and copies of medical/insurance information.

umbrellaStep 4: Choose “Designated Caregivers”

When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home.

When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past.

dogfaceStep 5:  Evacuation Preparation

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

  • Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
  • Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
  • The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
  • Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

puptireStep 6: Geographic and Climatic Considerations

Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.

  • Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
  • Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.
  • In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.

If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it’s crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.

What People
Have Said

"I first came to Countrycare with my female German Shepherd, Fina, who had been diagnosed with pancreatitis. I had left my previous vet's office with a bag full of pills, expensive cans of dog food and not much hope about Fina's future quality of life. I found Countrycare on the Holistic Veterinarian website. When I arrived at Countrycare I was treated with respect. Dr. Strickfaden listened to me and instead of handing me more pills she explained the various treatments that were available. I chose the Bicom treatments for Fina and within several weeks Fina was on the road to recovery. I now bring all my dogs to Countrycare for all their needs and for boarding. From the people who greet you at the front desk, to the technicians and the vets, everyone is very friendly, caring and professional. I wouldn't dream of taking my dogs to any other animal hospital."
- Susan H.J., Freedom