Pets enrich the lives of individuals and families in more ways than can be counted.  In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well being. Here's how you can protect your pets when disaster strikes.

Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations.  Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.  It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead.  Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

• Take pets with you if you need to evacuate.  Leaving them behind can result in injury, loss or worse.
  
  
• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency.
  
  
• Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
  
  
• Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.  Multiple pets may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
  
  
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
  
  
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.  Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
  
  
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets if an advanced warning is issued. Bring all pets inside so that you won't have to search for them if you have to evacuate in a hurry. 
  
  
• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing securely-fastened collars with up-to-date identification that includes your name, address and phone number and your veterinarian's name, location and phone number. Have your pets inoculations updated. Never leave animals unattended.
  
  
• Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area to the back of your pet"s ID tag.
  
  
• Practice evacuation plans to familiarize your pet with the process and increase its comfort level. Know your pet's hiding places so you can easily find it during an emergency.
  
  
• Remember that a stressed pet may behave differently than normal and its aggression level may increase. Use a muzzle to prevent bites. Realize that panicked pets may try to flee.

Tip for residents of NYC and surrounding areas:

Pets in carriers are always allowed on MTA subways, buses and trains, the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Railroad. When an evacuation order is declared, pets too large for carriers will also be allowed, provided those animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no longer than four feet long.

New York City will announce when this policy is in effect. Bring supplies to clean up after your animal. Properly harnessed service animals accompanying people with disabilities are always welcome on MTA"s service network.

It should include: 

• Copies of medical records including vaccination dates, stored in a waterproof container
• Medications and information about each medication. List each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Include the name and number of your veterinarian
• Information on diet.  List the diet for each pet, including what not to feed in case of allergy
• Information about any behavioral issues
• A first aid kit (include flea and tick treatment and items recommended by your veterinarian)
• Collapsible cage or carrier for each animal, labeled with your contact information. (Cat carriers should be big enough to hold a small litter pan and food dishes and allow your cat to comfortably use the litter and to lie down. Dog kennels should be spacious enough to hold two non-spill bowls and allow room for your dog to stand and turn around.)
• Muzzle and leash
• Handling gloves
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Include yourself in some of the photos as further proof of identity.
• Information about your pet's species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing traits
• Proof of ownership (registration and microchip information; adoption papers)
• Food and water for at least three days
• Food bowls, cat litter/pan/scoop, and manual can opener
• Plastic bags, newspapers, containers and cleaning supplies
• Pet beds, toys and treats to make animals feel comfortable

Birds

• Should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. 
• During warm weather, carry a spray bottle to mist the birds' feathers periodically.
• During cold weather, warm the inside of your vehicle before moving your bird/s from the house to the car. Also include a hot water bottle to warm your bird/s.
• Covering the cage or carrier may reduce stress.
• Don't put water inside the carrier during transport.
• Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
• Have photo identification and leg bands. 
• If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. 
• Don"t let your bird out of the case or carrier in unfamiliar surroundings.

Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs)

• Transport them in secure covered carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered.
• Take bedding materials, food bowls, water bottles and exercise equipment.

Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles)

• Transport reptiles in a pillowcase, cloth sack or small carrier
• Transfer the animal into a secure cage as soon as you can.
• Use a spray bottle to keep pets cool and a heating pad or battery-operated heating lamp to keep pets warm, along with extra batteries.
• Include a water bowl for soaking and handling gloves.
• Try to minimize changes in temperature, lighting and diet.
• Don’t mix species.

Amphibians (frogs)

• Transport amphibians in a water-tight plastic bag or plastic container, such as a plastic shoebox or food container with snap-on lid.
• Punch small ventilation holes into the upper part or lid of the container.
• Place only one species or animal per container.
• Use moistened paper towels, foam rubber or moss as a substrate for terrestrial or semi-aquatic amphibians.
• For aquatic species, fill the container one-third full of water. If you can, use the water the animal was living in.

If you have large animals, such as horses or cattle, make plans to evacuate early when possible. It may be difficult to maneuver large animal transport vehicles in evacuation traffic.

Maintain good hygiene when transporting pets in order to reduce the possibility of disease transmission.

Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your pet. A properly registered microchip enables positive identification if you and your pet are separated.

Some emergencies may prevent you from returning home. In planning for such emergencies:

• Identify a trusted friend, neighbor or dog-walker to care for your pet in your absence. He or she should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan and have your contact information.
• Put stickers on the main entrances of your home to alert rescue workers to the number and types of pets inside and where to find them. Note favorite hiding spots in order to save rescuers crucial time.
• Update the information on the stickers every six months. Free "Rescue Alert” stickers can be ordered from the ASPCA.
• Keep your pet's collar/harness, leash and Go Bag where they can be easily found.

• Survey the area inside and outside your home. Identify sharp objects, hazardous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines and debris created by strong winds or rain.
• Know that it is safest to release small dogs, cats and small animals indoors only.
• Be extra careful should you decide to let a pet loose outdoors, and be sure it wears an ID tag.
• Realize that familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, which may cause your pet to become confused or lost.
• Visit your local animal control and animal shelters daily for lost animals.
• Post lost animal flyers and inform local veterinarians and neighbors of missing pets, and check http://missingpet.net for more information on finding a lost pet.

Print out and complete this form

Consider local and out-of-area resources. Keep a copy of this list by your phone.

Local Veterinarian:  _______________

Alternate Veterinarian:  _______________

Emergency Pet Contact: _______________

Local Boarding Facility: _______________

Boarding Facility: (30-90 miles from your home)

________________________

Pet-friendly Hotels: (30-90 miles from your home)

________________________

Local Animal Shelter:

________________________

Animal Care & Control of New York City: 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115)

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115)

Humane Society of New York: 212-752-4842

NYC American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): 212-876-7700

In a statement of understanding, The American Red Cross recognizes The Humane Society of the United States as the nation's largest animal protection organization responsible for the safety and well-being of animals, including disaster relief. The American Red Cross is committed to transforming the caring and concern of the American people into immediate action.