By Marta Rusek


Cats enjoy their “Cat-astrophe” preparedness kit. | Image credit: The American Red Cross

This article was written for National Preparedness Month.

Pets are family. They share in our joys and comfort us when we’re enduring life’s disappointments. So as you prepare for household emergencies and natural disasters, it’s vitally important to make sure your pets are part of that planning.

Fortunately, the American Red Cross can help guide your planning: With these four tips, you’ll be better positioned to handle what life throws at you—and at your pet.

Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid App. Your smartphone or tablet is always at hand—and this app provides first-aid and emergency care info for your cat or dog at your fingertips. Access step-by-step instructions, including pictures and videos, for more than 25 first-aid and emergency scenarios. You’ll learn to treat wounds, control bleeding, and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies. There’s also guidance on caring for your pet in the case of burns, vehicular accidents, falls, and cold- and heat-related emergencies. Learn more and download it here.

Keep pet supplies in your emergency kit. You’ll want at least a week’s worth of your pet’s food, along with water and food bowls and any necessary medications. Toys and other calming items from home are also worth bringing. Don’t forget a leash and pet waste bags for your dog, a carrier and litter box (with litter) for your cat, and a small tank or cage to comfortably transport any fish, reptiles, birds, rodents, or pets of the eight-legged variety. Keep a recent photo of your pet in case you become separated during your evacuation, and jot down feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in the event that you have to foster or board your pet for a bit.

Make an evacuation plan. If staying in your house during an emergency or natural disaster isn’t safe for you, then it’s definitely not safe for your pet. As part of your planning, reach out to a friend or relative who lives within driving distance. Ask if they’d be willing to shelter you and your pet if the need arose. (Of course, assure them that you’d mask up and take other pandemic precautions.) Know the locations and pet policies of all the hotels and motels in your areas. If you live in an area where natural disasters like hurricanes or floods are more likely to happen, make sure your pet is microchipped and up to date on vaccines.

Do an evacuation rehearsal. Natural disasters and emergencies can feel overwhelming, and time is of the essence when it comes to getting to safety. To avoid panic and wasted time in a crisis (such as a house fire), practice your evacuation route with your pet ahead of time. Doing this can also alert you to any potentially problematic behaviors from your pet. Some animals run and hide under a bed when they’re frightened by loud noises or when they see their owner reaching for the carrier. Keep your furry family member’s favorite treats handy in case you need to coax your pet out of a hiding place or into a carrier. Have a towel or a blanket handy to drape it over the carrier; this may help your pet stay calm during the evacuation.

Planning ahead for emergencies is one of the best ways to show your pets how much you love them, and the American Red Cross is always here to help you expect the unexpected with up-to-date preparedness tips and resources.