One of the biggest concerns during an emergency is the safety of our loved ones. Often that means our furry loved ones as well. Most emergency evacuation shelters will only accept service animals.
Planning ahead is essential for keeping your pet safe during a disaster.
During a large disaster, volunteers rapidly go to work setting up shelters, clearing debris, and providing food. Volunteers also step up to help keep your pets safe. Your local emergency management, veterinary clinics, and community will often rally together to provide resources not found at most evacuation centers.
See our disaster checklist for pets at the bottom.
DART and CART are resources that may be available to you.
What does DART stand for?
DART stands for Disaster Animal Response Team. DART can also mean Disaster Assistance Response Team, which is not specific to animals.
What does CART stand for?
CART stands for Community Animal Response Team.
What do CART and DART teams do?
These teams can help care for your pets during an emergency. Volunteers are trained to organize and care for animals during a disaster.
They’ll have a command center (to check your pet in), kennels, and other pet supplies. Depending on your local set up, they may have emergency services, horse trailers, and rescue vehicles.
Where can I find shelter for my pet during a disaster?
Petfinder and Red Rover have ways to search for emergency pet shelters in your area.
Your local emergency management and CART/DART teams may have already established emergency shelter plans with the local vet clinics.
If you can’t find help through those channels , try these other ideas:
Social media
Try searching local community pages on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor. During disasters like wildfires, local community groups will often share posts from individuals willing to take in animals during the evacuations.
A friend or family member’s home
Having friends outside of the evacuation zone take in your pets can be a better option for a short-term evacuation. If you live in an area where disasters are common, set up a plan with them beforehand.
Find a hotel
Try to book a room as soon as possible. During large evacuations hotels will fill up quickly. Make sure you ask if they are pet friendly.
Camp out overnight in your car
If it comes down to it, you may need to just evacuate and figure it out your plan as you go. There are several places you can enjoy a night’s rest. Be sure it’s a safe location and pets are allowed.
How to sleep in your car overnight
Disaster prep tips for your pets
- Pets can be easily distressed by a disaster. Be sure to reassure them and keep them secure.
- Medication, distractions, and thunder vests may provide some stress relief.
- Watch out for hot sidewalks and debris.
- Pet boots can be helpful on hot days or if you are walking through debris and broken glass.
- Collapsible water bowls are easier to carry than traditional bowls.
- Watch out for other animals. Stressful situations can make them react differently than normal.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and has a collar with your current cell phone number on it.
Have extra tips? Let us know in the comments!
Additional pet resources:
CDC.gov
Purina.com
Ready.gov
RedCross.org
Download the checklist:
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