Go Bags For Your Pets
Plan Ahead. Pack a Pet Go Bag Now.
Disasters don’t give advance warning, so it’s wise to plan ahead for your entire family. Your pets need Go Bags too!
If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress, and worry when you need to act quickly during an emergency. Register at Smart 911 to get vital safety alerts and inform first responders of your personal profile, including information about your pets. Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many shelters/hotels do not allow pets inside, some do. Do you research now. Visit gopetfriendly.com. Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Keep a Pet Emergency Card in your wallet. Consider leaving an extra house key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they may evacuate your pets.
Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
Disasters can happen fast. You might not have time to shop, or even to pack. A little preparation now will avoid stress and critical time delays during an emergency or disaster. Pets are important family members, and their needs should be considered in your family’s emergency plans. Build a Pet Go Bag using a duffle bag or backpack to hold the items and keep in an easily accessible place. Take the time now to practice carefully placing your pet into their carrier. Keep a Pet Emergency Card in your wallet in case you and your pet are separated.
What’s in a Pet Go Bag? The Contra Costa County Animal Response Team (CART) offers this 3 step disaster plan for pets. CalFire offers a guide that includes livestock, Wildland Fire Safety for Your Livestock and Pets.
Pet Go Bag
- pet carrier
- leash/halter/harness ü water
- bowls
- banket
- toys
- treats
- medications
- 3-7-day supply of food
- current photos of your pet with and you/your family
- vaccine records
- waste disposal bags
- pet ID chip info
- contact info for vet
- first-aid kit:
- sterile non-adherent dressing,
- self adhering elastic bandage,
- pet first-aid manual,
- tweezers,
- antihistamine,
- alcohol swabs,
- triple antibiotic ointment,
- antiseptic wipes
Additional information available on this Safety Tip for Pets. Information on preparing Go Bags for you and your family are on our Go Bag page here
Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, animal control office, or visit ready.gov/pets to get additional advice and information. Prepare now and keep for pets safe!