If you are advised to shelter-in-place, make sure your pets are sheltered also. If you are advised to evacuate, take the following steps to protect your pets. Preparing ahead of time will help you and your pet leave your home quickly with the necessary items for its proper care. With the exception of seeing-eye or hearing-aid animals, many reception centers or emergency shelters will not allow pets inside to protect the health and safety of people in the shelter.

• Compile a list of places outside the area where you can take or leave your pet, such as boarding kennels, friends or relatives, or motels and hotels that accept animals.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your pet with up-to-date vaccination and medical records, collars and leashes, a three-day supply of water, food and any medication your pets might be taking and food, bowls, litter and litter box.
• Fit your pet with a sturdy collar that has a license, rabies tag and full identification tags.
• Have updated identification information including the pet’s name, your name, address and phone number, and the phone number of a relative outside the area who can be contacted if you cannot be reached.
• Have a sturdy pet carrier.