Chances are that some time in the span of your pet’s life an unforeseen event will occur that will separate you from your pet. Planning ahead helps to insure that your pet will be in good hands should you be unable to care for them. Our Emergency Pet Care Sheet will help others provide care for your pet in your absence and can be used along with the suggestions below to prepare an emergency plan for your pet.

Please complete the Emergency Pet Care Sheet (printable html), make multiple copies and laminate or place them in a protective cover such as a zip-top bag or plastic page protector. Place copies in the following locations:

1. On the front of your refrigerator so that others can find it in the event of an emergency.
    
2. In your emergency evacuation kit (should you need to leave your home suddenly).
    
3. In your purse, wallet, or vehicle incase you are injured in an accident (so emergency workers or hospital personnel will be able to get in touch with someone to care for your pets in your absence).
    
4. On your pet’s crate or carrier when they travel by airplane, or in the glove box when the pet is riding in your vehicle. Always make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag incase they are separated from you or the vehicle.
    
5. With your pet’s designated caregiver and/or a friend, relative, pet sitter, veterinarian, or other person that would be able to care for your pets in your absence.

Suggestions to help keep your pet prepared for emergencies:

1. Make sure that your cat or dog is always wearing an identification tag so that he can be returned to you if he is found wandering or injured. Microchipping is also highly recommended, since tags can be lost.
    
2. Always keep a current photo of your pet handy, it will be helpful in identifying a lost or stolen pet.
    
3. Keep all immunizations and rabies vaccines up-to-date and make sure to place the rabies license tag on your pet’s collar along with the id tag.
    
4. Keep a reserve supply of medications, food, and bottled water for your pets. Store medications and food in their original containers and place them in a moisture-proof container. Occasionally rotate or replace these products with a fresh supply so they do not expire or degrade.
    
5. Prepare an emergency kit for your pet should you need to evacuate your home. Include medications, vaccine records, photos of your pet, food, bottled water, bowls, can opener, a leash and muzzle, portable litterbox and litter, bedding, waste disposal bags, towels, toys, treats, and a first aid kit.
    
6. Keep a crate or carrier handy for transporting animals (shelters may require them, too).
    
7. Designate someone to care for your pet should you become unable to (death, illness, or serious injury).
    
8. Make sure your designated caregiver has a key to your home so they can enter and give immediate care to your pet if needed. Renters should leave a letter with the landlord authorizing the designated person to enter your home and care for your pets.
    
9. Visit the following websites for more information on emergency/disaster preparation:

   American Red Cross-Capital Area Chapter (www.tallytown.com/redcross/ds)

   Leon County Emergency Management (http://lcso.leonfl.org/em.htm)

   Have A Hurricane Plan Website (http://www.haveahurricaneplan.com)
   
   Humane Society of the United States-Disaster Preparedness for Pets (www.hsus.org)

   ASPCA Emergency Pet Preparedness (www.aspca.org)
    

10. Visit the following websites for more information on planning for your pet's future:

Humane Society of the United States-"Providing for Your Pet’s Future Without You"
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/providing_for_your_pets_future_without_you/index.html (free kit)

Estate Planning for Pets
www.estateplanningforpets.org/