Disaster Preparedness

Local animal advocates suggest that you have a plan in place for your pets before an emergency strikes. In Oregon, the most likely emergency threats are wildfires, winter ice/snow storms, flooding, earthquakes or even volcanic eruptions.
Prepare a 72-hour shelter-in-place pet emergency supply kit
If you and your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, be prepared with adequate supplies (i.e. food, litter, water, medication).
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you
Occasionally, what is expected to be a brief evacuation can turn into days or weeks. Plan ahead for a safe place to take your pets. Evacuation shelters may not allow pets.
Have a list of pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area. You can find pet-friendly lodging by visiting petswelcome.com.
It’s also a good idea to keep a list of boarding kennels and vets that can shelter your animals and speak with local friends and relatives about the possibility of sheltering you and/or your pets in the event of an emergency.
Prepare an emergency evacuation kit
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association’s Disaster Preparedness page outlines what you’ll need in your kit, as well as other pet-related emergency preparedness information.
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing up-to-date ID tags, license tags, and microchips
Have photos on hand of all your pets.
In case you are not home
An evacuation order may strike when you are not at home. Make arrangements in advance with a trusted neighbor and/or friend to take your pets and meet you at a predetermined location.
Additional resources for pet emergency preparedness
• ASPCA: Disaster Preparedness
• Ready America: Pet-related information, video, brochure and toolkit
• Disaster Preparedness for Pets – Medicare Supplement
Source: Multnomah County Animal Service

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