County Animal Services recommends you add considerations for your pets to any of your disaster preparedness plans and emergency supplies.  Remember, you are responsible for your own animals and their needs in a time of disaster.  Not only should you have a plan for unexpected emergencies, but you should also have pre-assembled supplies specifically for your pets included in your disaster kits as well.  If you are ever told to evacuate, you need to do it immediately and your animals should go with you along with everything they will need.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your pets in an emergency is to ensure they are properly identified.  If you become separated, the best way to increase your chances of being reunited with your pets is to have identification on them – the more identification, the better! And make sure your dogs are licensed and microchipped. Remember, the information must be registered and up to date with emergency and contact information.  Rabies vaccination, License and Microchip clinics are offered at the three County Animal Shelters every Thursday from 1-3pm. Finding Rover is a free, facial recognition application that you can download to your phone that will give extra protection to your pets in the event they become lost.

Here are suggestions for a household pet evacuation kit:

• Plan for at least seven (7) days of food and water per animal – don’t forget bowls too!
  
• For identification purposes, take photos of your pets with you in the photo – this is important if you have to show proof of ownership
• Have carriers or crates large enough for your pets to stand up, turn around and lie down in them
• Leashes, collars or harnesses
• Veterinary records and proof of ownership
• Toys and treats
• Litter pan and litter for cats
• Manual can opener
• Blankets or bedding material
• Bags for feces
• Paper towels, newspaper, baby wipes
• Pet first aid kit
• Medications