Pet Disaster Preparedness

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Catastrophic Situations

Catastrophes come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and violent storms. In the event of a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet?

Prepare a Disaster Kit

Have a disaster travel kit readily available should you need to hit the road with your pet. It should be readily accessible, easy to carry and contain essential pet supplies for at least five days, including:

• Food, water and portable feeding bowls
• Collar, leash, rope and/or harness
• Pet medications, medical records and the name and number of your veterinarian
• Garbage bags or doggie waste bags, small litter box, scoop and litter
• Current photos of your pets
• Carriers and/or portable kennel

Consider taking along pet toys and bedding to help reduce your pets’ stress and to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Find Pet-Friendly Shelter

Keep in mind that some evacuation shelters may not accept pets due to state health and safety regulations. Therefore, it may be necessary to board your pet. Researching boarding facilities for your pet now can help you avoid the difficulties of locating a place for your pet to stay during a disaster.

• Keep records. Keep proof of vaccinations handy—especially rabies—as they may be required by hotels and boarding facilities.
• Make inquiries. Find out pet policies for hotels outside of your immediate area. Keep an updated list with phone numbers of pet-friendly places.
• Reach out to friends. Check to see if friends or relatives outside of your area would be willing to shelter your animal.
• Make a list. Write down the names and the phone numbers of boarding facilities, veterinarians and emergency hospitals that can shelter animals during an emergency and/or treat your pet in the event that he or she is injured during the catastrophe.

Preparing Now Can Pay Off Later

If your pet is hurt during a disaster and requires emergency treatment, you can rest easy knowing that your VPI Pet Insurance policy allows you to visit any veterinarian, worldwide.