Pets are members of the family. Make sure to include your pets when developing your family emergency plan. Making arrangements before an emergency will increase your pet’s chances for survival and ability to cope. assemble a pet emergency survival kit and be ready to take your pet and their kit with you in the event you have to evacuate.

Pet emergency kits

When preparing an emergency kit for your pet, be sure you have:

• food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
• blanket and a small toy
• sturdy leash/harness
• cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags
• carrier for transporting your pet
• medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
• current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost
• information on feeding schedules, medical or behavioral problems in case you must board your pet
• up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
• copy of licence (if required)
• muzzle (if required)

Keep this kit in the same spot as your family emergency survival kit for easy retrieval.

Animals get anxious during emergencies. If possible, keep your pet in a carrying cage with a familiar blanket, so your pet(s) feels as secure as possible. Do not leave your pet alone, with strangers or without a leash at any time. During an emergency, your pet may:

• panic
• behave in a distressed manner
• run away and end up lost
• bite someone because of the distressed state

pets and evacuations

If it’s too dangerous for you to stay, it’s too dangerous for your pet to stay. If safety permits, pets should not be left behind during an evacuation as they may be lost, injured or even killed as a result of the emergency. Plan ahead to ensure that you have a safe place to take your pet.

• Find out about your municipality’s evacuation centre locations and related pet policies.
• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area and check their policy on accepting pets during an emergency.
•  ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they could shelter your pet(s) during an emergency.
• Include your pet in any local or family emergency drills and exercises
• If an emergency occurs when you arenot at home, you can still be prepared. Set up a buddy system with your neighbour. Make arrangements that in the event of an emergency and you are not home they will take care of your pet.

For more information visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/ensure-everyones-safety-during-emergency