Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness

Preparing a disaster plan for your pet

Do you have a plan to protect your pet during a disaster or emergency?

The American Humane Rescue team is prepared to deploy any of our emergency vehicles at a moment’s notice to help animals in need, but we want to ensure that all pet owners are prepared, too. So be sure you are empowered with the knowledge and tools to keep you and your pets safe and build your own pet preparedness plan today.


Tips to Keep You, Your Family and Your Pets Safe Before, During and After the Storm »


Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Here is our checklist so you can prepare an emergency kit and make sure you are ready to protect your pets when disaster strikes:

  1. Water, food and medications
    • Two week supply of food in cans or a waterproof, airtight container
    • Feeding instructions for each animal
    • Two week supply of water
    • Food and water dishes
    • Two week supply of medications and necessary medication instructions
  2. Documentation
    • Veterinary records (vaccinations, medical summary, rabies certificate/tag, medication prescriptions)
    • Registration information (proof of ownership or adoption records)
    • Microchip information
    • Recent photographs of each pet
    • Waterproof container for documents
  3. Supplies
    • Collar with contact information
    • Harness and/or leash
    • Pet first aid kit
    • Pet carrier and pet bedding
    • Familiar items (treats and toys to reduce stress)
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Litter-box and litter (cats)
    • Rescue alert sticker

Plan ahead to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe in case of disaster.


Our first-responders are there when animals need them most

From natural disasters to animal cruelty investigations, we are on the front lines protecting animals in times of crisis.

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News & Updates

Tips for Keeping Pets Safe and Healthy During Upcoming Winter Weather

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, January 12, 2024 — This week, yet another winter storm is impacting larger swaths of the U.S.—a weather system that is expected to bring heavy snow, frigid air, ice, and other severe weather. American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is sharing tips to help pet owners keep their four-legged family members safe. “Winter weather can…
January 12, 2024

Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, December 23, 2022 — The holiday season is upon us, which marks the official start of winter in the United States. A few notable reindeer will brave the frigid conditions on the night of December 24th, but all animals without magical powers need to be kept safe from the incoming cold weather. The Christmas season is…
December 23, 2022

Thank you to our sponsors, Zoetis and Anheuser-Busch, that donate medications and supplies for our critical rescue deployments.