North Dakota Board of Animal Health
Dr. Susan Keller, State Veterinarian
(701) 328-2655, 1-800-242-7535
FAX (701) 328-4567

Your pets and disaster preparedness

Everyone with pets should have a disaster plan in place for their animals in the event of a disaster or emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that pets should not be left behind.

Have a portable pet disaster supplies kit

This kit should include:

• All medical records, including proof of vaccination and prescriptions, in a waterproof container
• First aid supplies
• Medications if needed
• Information on feeding schedules and diet requirements
• Description of any medical conditions or behavior problems
• Name and phone number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely
• Food and water
• Bowls
• Can opener and spoon if needed
• Cat litter/pan/scoop
• Toys
• Bedding

Make sure your pets are properly identified

• Make sure identification tags, including licenses, are up to date and are securely fastened on your pet’s collar
• If your pet has a microchip (electronic identification), keep the information with the medical records in your pet emergency supplies kit
• Have recent photographs of your pets with the medical records in case the animals get lost

Have a safe place to take your pets

Remember: Red Cross and other public shelters often cannot accept pets because of state health and safety regulations.

• Keep a list of “pet friendly” places
• Ask hotels and motels if their “no pets” policy can be waved in an emergency
• Ask friends, relatives and others outside the affected area if they could shelter your animals
• Keep a list with 24-hour phone numbers of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency
• Animal shelters may be already overburdened caring for animals, so this should be a last resort

Links for additional Pet Information:

http://www.avma.org/disaster/saving_family_brochure.pdf

American Kennel Club – Disaster Preparedness

American Red Cross – Animal safety

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Centers for Disease Control – Pet protection and planning in an emergency

FEMA – Are You Ready

FEMA – Information for Pet Owners

Ready.gov – Pet Items