Pet Preparedness
Take time to think about your pets’ daily needs, food, medications, comfort, and how they handle stress. What can you do now to make sure your pets are cared for and can get through a disaster that disrupts normal life for days or even weeks?
Pet preparedness starts with knowing the hazards that threaten your community, whether that’s wildfire, flooding, severe winter weather, or earthquake, and understanding that our peninsula location can mean limited routes in and out, so roads may be blocked or outside emergency responders may take longer to reach you. That makes having a plan and supplies ready for your pets even more important, especially since many shelters won’t accept animals.
Preparedness also means having essential supplies on hand for your home, workplace, and vehicle. You likely already own most of what you need, the key is gathering it in one place. Your pet emergency kit should include, at a minimum:
- Water – Extra water for each pet (roughly 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day), plus a bowl
- Food – At least a several-day supply of your pet’s regular food, stored in a waterproof container, along with a manual can opener if needed
- Medications & medical supplies – Any regular medications, a copy of vaccination records, and basic pet first aid supplies (gauze, tape, tweezers)
- Identification – A secure collar with ID tags, proof of microchip registration, and a current photo of you with your pet (helpful for proving ownership or creating “lost pet” flyers)
- Carrier or leash – A sturdy carrier or crate (for smaller pets) and an extra leash or harness so you can transport or control your pet safely
- Comfort items – A favorite toy, blanket, or bedding to help reduce your pet’s stress
- Sanitation supplies – Waste bags, litter and a litter box, or other supplies needed to manage pet waste while away from home
- Evacuation plan – Know which shelters, hotels, or family/friends off the peninsula will accept pets, since not everywhere will, and plan your evacuation route accordingly