Create a Pet Disaster Plan

Before you plan the route, list everyone who's going. Pets are family — write them down with the same detail you would for a person.

• Every animal: name, species, breed, age, weight
• Microchip number and registry for each pet
• Medications, dosages, and prescribing vet
• Behavioral notes (fear of strangers, dog-reactive, escape artist)
• Photo of each pet on every adult's phone
• Designate a primary handler for each animal during evacuation

Hurricanes flood roads. Wildfires close highways. Always plan a primary AND a secondary route out.

• Primary route: fastest path away from the projected impact zone
• Secondary route: avoid major highways and bridges
• Identify gas stations, rest stops, and pet relief areas along each
• Estimate travel time WITH pets (slower than without)
• Note tunnels, low bridges, and toll booths that may close
• Save offline maps in case cell service drops

Most general-population shelters do not allow pets. Decide where you're going BEFORE the order to evacuate.

• First choice: family or friends outside the impact area
• Second choice: pet-friendly hotel along your route (call to confirm policies)
• Third choice: boarding kennel or veterinary hospital with emergency boarding
• Last resort: county co-located shelter (people + pets)
• Confirm reservation policies — many waive deposits during declared emergencies
• Save addresses, phone numbers, and check-in instructions in your phone

A go-bag for each animal, packed and refreshed every six months. See our full Pet Emergency Kit Checklist for the complete list.

• 7-day food and water supply per pet
• Two weeks of medications + copies of prescriptions
• Sturdy carrier or crate labeled with your contact info
• Spare leash, harness, and slip lead
• Vaccination records and microchip info (waterproofed)
• Comfort item — favorite toy or worn t-shirt
• First-aid kit, sanitation supplies, and recent photos

When you're stressed and moving fast, you won't remember phone numbers. Pre-program them now.

• Out-of-area emergency contact (someone NOT in the impact zone)
• Your veterinarian + after-hours emergency clinic
• County emergency management for evacuation orders
• Pet-friendly hotel reservations along your route
• Boarding facility and microchip registry login
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

A plan you've never rehearsed is a plan that fails. Run a drill at least once a year.

• Practice loading every pet into your vehicle calmly
• Time how long it takes from 'evacuation order' to 'on the road'
• Refresh food, water, and medications every 6 months
• Update microchip and contact info after any move or phone change
• Re-confirm pet-friendly hotel policies before each storm season
• Schedule reminder using daylight saving time as your anchor