National Pet Preparedness Month, observed every June, is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of including pets in emergency planning and disaster preparedness. Established in 2003 through the government-sponsored program “Ready,” it encourages pet owners to create emergency plans, assemble pet emergency kits, and ensure their pets’ safety during events such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or blackouts.
The initiative is supported by organizations like the American Red Cross, ASPCA, Humane World for Animals, FEMA, and even the Department of Homeland Security. Every June, pet owners across the United States are reminded to review and update their emergency plans, ensuring that pets are protected alongside their human family members. Social media campaigns, educational resources, and community events often accompany the month to spread awareness and provide practical guidance for pet safety.
Purpose and Importance
The month emphasizes that pets are part of the family and rely entirely on their owners during disasters. Historical events, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, highlighted the risks pets face when emergency plans are lacking, leading to the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which mandates states to include pets in disaster evacuation and rescue plans. Surveys show that while most pet owners live in disaster-prone areas, less than half have an emergency plan for their pets, making preparedness crucial.
How to Observe and Prepare
Pet owners are encouraged to:
- Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and safe locations for pets.
- Assemble a pet emergency kit with at least two weeks of food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, leashes, harnesses, and carriers.
- Keep important documents such as vaccination records, medical history, and microchip information accessible.
- Train pets to respond to commands and become comfortable with carriers or travel crates to reduce stress during evacuations.
- Maintain routines as much as possible during emergencies to help pets feel secure.
Your pets need to be included in your disaster emergency plans. Here are ways to keep your cherished pets safe in the event of a disaster.
An Animal Emergency Supply Kit should have the Basics for Survival
- A stocked Animal Emergency Supply Kit is a must. Consider having two kits-one for if you decide to stay and a smaller kit that you can take with you.
- Food-keep at least 3 days of food in an airtight waterproof container.
- Water– store at least 3 days of water specifically for your pet.
- Medicines, medical records and vaccine records
- First aid kit-cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea/tick prevention, latex gloves, rubbing alcohol and saline solution.
- Collar with ID tag, harness and leash– Keep copies of your rabies tag/certificate as well as registration.
- Crate or other pet carrier-carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. Include blankets/towels that can be used as bedding or to keep warm in case of power outage.
- Sanitation-include pet litter and litter box, paper towels, plastic trash bags, household chlorine bleach (no scented or color safe bleaches).
- A picture of you and your pet together– If you become separated from your pet during an emergency you will need to be able to prove ownership. Include detailed information about the species, breed, age, sex, color and other distinguishing characteristics. Along these lines, ensure that your pet is microchipped and your address and contact information is up to date.
Have your Emergency Evacuation Plan (for yourself and your pets) in Place
- If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. Please know that some public shelters do not allow pets
- Plan on how you assemble your pets on short notice. Keep your kits in an area that is easily accessible.
- Dogs should NEVER be chained outdoors.
- Plan in advance for shelter alternatives such as pet friendly hotels, out of town relatives/friends, and also consider a back up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals-seek out neighbor, local friend or relative support to help.
- Locate a veterinary or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking shelter in case of need of medical care.
Prepare for the Unexpected
- Be prepared to adapt to your personal circumstances and to make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene.
- Those that take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry.
Additional Resources for Pet Emergency Preparedness
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
https://www.aspca.org/news/disaster-prep-kits-what-you-need-keep-your-pets-safe
https://www.aspca.org/news/hurricane-approaching-take-these-steps-protect-your-pets
https://www.fema.gov/helping-pets
https://www.ready.gov/animals
http://m.humanesociety.org/about/departments/disaster_preparedness.html
By participating in National Pet Preparedness Month, pet owners can significantly reduce the risks their pets face during disasters and ensure that every family member, human or animal, remains safe.
Your pets’ safety and well-being will be extremely dependent on you in an emergency. Disasters can be anything from fire, flood, tornado, snow storm or terrorist attack. Preparing your family and pets for emergencies now will help determine your future success in such of an event.
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Photo Credit: Drop of Light / Shutterstock.com
