Today is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, and after last year’s record-breaking disaster season, American Humane wants to ensure that all pet owners are equipped with the knowledge and tools to keep their pet safe when disaster strikes.

Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tags that include up-to-date identification and contact information.
Your pet’s tag should include his or her name, your telephone number, and any critical health information. American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet – you’ll increase the chances of being reunited with them if they wander from home.

Create an animal disaster preparedness plan.
While the thought of an impending disaster can be stress-inducing and chaotic, it’s important to make a plan in order to keep yourself, your family, and your pet safe from harm. To create your disaster preparedness plan:

Know where you’ll go if disaster strikes
Choose a safe place where you and your pets can go if you need to evacuate or seek shelter. Contact your veterinarian for a list of recommended boarding facilities, or reach out to your local shelter to ask if they provide emergency shelter for pets. If you are evacuating to a hotel, inquire whether the accommodations are pet-friendly. Most importantly, never leave your pet behind.

Have a pet disaster preparedness kit ready:
Having the critical supplies and items that your pet will need in case of emergency is important, particularly if you’re forced to evacuate unexpectedly. Our friends at Banfield Foundation, who helped fund two of our American Humane Rescue trucks, created a new pet disaster preparedness kit, which includes a waterproof bag, a blanket, treats, stress-relief products, tips, checklists, and more to help keep pets cared for in the event of a natural disaster. Pet owners should also have their pet’s carrier at the ready, and stock your kit with their leash, food and water bowls, 7-10 days of food, medications and medical records in a waterproof container, and first-aid supplies.

The American Humane Rescue team is prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice to help animals in need, but we want to ensure that all pet owners are prepared, too. Today on National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, plan ahead to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe when disaster strikes.