Preparing Your Pets

If you plan to evacuate, determine whether you will board your pet or take it with you. Service animals are the only pets allowed at Red Cross shelters.

Whether you are taking your pets with you or staying to ride out the storm, portable pet carriers are a must. They should be made of sturdy and durable plastic (not glass!) so they safely protect your pets and prevent them from escaping.

Identify your pet by current license and rabies tags and/or micro chipping, tattooing, or freeze branding. Store photos of your pet with your important papers.

Contact boarding facilities early to reserve a space for your pet. Remember that space is limited, and standard boarding fees apply. The shelter you choose will require proof that your pet has been vaccinated and it must wear an ID collar, including a leash.

You should also bring pet food, bottled water, and any medication (enough for 3 days).

If your pet is lost or if you find someone else’s pet, contact local veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, The Humane Society, and/or Animal Control.