How to protect your pets during a disaster 

There’s a lot to plan for when it comes to being prepared for an emergency such as a hurricane or wildfire. For instance, do you have an evacuation route? A way to communicate with family and friends? An emergency preparedness kit?  

However, plans may often fail to consider the unique needs of family pets. Many emergency shelters and hotels do not accept pets, and it can be difficult to transport animals on short notice — especially large animals. This can force families to make a heartbreaking decision: either abandon their pet, or stay and potentially endanger themselves.

No family should ever have to decide between their own safety and that of their pet. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for an emergency and help protect your pets when disaster strikes.  

Thousands of pets are separated from their owners during a disaster, and it’s usually rare that they’re reunited. While a collar and tag are helpful, a microchip is the best means of ensuring you’ll be reunited with a lost pet. You’ll also want to have a recent digital photo of your pet in case you do get separated. Additionally, make sure to add a cell phone number to your pet’s tag.  

An emergency may occur while your pet is home alone. A pet rescue sticker placed in a visible location (on a front door or window) can alert First Responders about the type and number of animals in your home. If you are forced to evacuate from an oncoming natural disaster, be sure to indicate your pets are safely evacuated on the sticker so emergency personnel don’t waste time searching your home during cleanup efforts.  

You should already have an emergency kit for your family, so make sure it has the supplies your pet would need to get through an emergency: a crate or carrier, a week’s supply of food, water, any medicine they may need, an extra leash and collar or harness, and appropriate sanitation materials. 

Before an emergency, make a list of places your pet could be taken in case you are unable to bring your pet with you. GetPrepared.gc.ca recommends considering hotels that accept animals, boarding centres, animal shelters and animal clinics. You can also ask a local veterinarian for more information about reputable boarding facilities or shelters for your pets, or inquire with friends and family if they can house you or your pet in an emergency.  

In an emergency, you may be pressed for time. Have your pet’s crate or carrier ready to go at a moment’s notice, as an unsecured and frightened pet can easily bolt or injure itself during an evacuation. Be mindful of other animals you encounter as they may also be frightened or even dangerous to your pet.  

For more information about preparing for a disaster with your pet, visit GetPrepared.gc.ca. The Government of Canada also has information to help you prepare for a disaster if you’re responsible for other types of animals, such as farm animals or livestock.