Pets and emergencies

Prepare Now! Learn How!

Pets are a part of our families and including them in an emergency plan is essential to maintaining their safety. During an emergency situation, it is important to know how to keep our animal companions safe.

Pet Emergency Kits

• Food, portable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
• Blanket and a small toy
• Sturdy leash/harness
• Cat litter/pan and plastic bags
• Carrier for your pet
• Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
• Current photo of your pet
• Current ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
• Copy of the license
• Ask any friends and relatives outside your immediate area who would be able to shelter your pets in an emergency
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency (include a 24-hour phone number).

Animals get nervous during emergencies. If possible, keep your pet in a carrier with a familiar blanket, so they feel as secure as possible. Most importantly, during an emergency you are still responsible for your pet.

Keep this kit in the same spot as your family emergency survival kit for easy retrieval. Pets need supplies, too.

For more information about pets and emergencies, contact the Ontario Society For the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (OSPCA) at 1-800-ONT-SPCA, or www.ospca.on.ca.

For more information, visit www.emergencymanagementontario.ca.