So, the first thing you should do is identify pet-friendly shelters. Make a list, including phone numbers.

Some suggestions:

• Your local county coordinator can tell you if the local jurisdiction has any plans already in place for sheltering pets or domesticated animals.
• Animal shelters
• Veterinarians and Pet Clinics
• Professional Boarding Kennels
• Pet-friendly motels
• Friends and relatives outside the affected area

Next, assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Your pets have daily needs just like we do.

Keep these essential items in a portable container in an accessible place.

Your kit should include:

• Food, water and treats
• Food/water dish
• Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
• Medications and medical records
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
• Toys
• Pet-friendly list of shelters

Other considerations

• You may not be at home when an evacuation is ordered, so arrange for a neighbor to take your pets to a pre-arranged location. This person must be comfortable with your pets, know where the pet disaster supplies kit is located and have a key to your home. A pet-sitting service may be able to assist.
• Make sure each of your pets wears a collar with accurate identification tags at all times.
• Keep all of your pets current on their vaccinations.
• Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but must be transferred to more secure housing soon.
• Birds, house lizards and small mammals should be transported in a cage or carrier. Depending on weather, include a blanket or plant mister in your kit.
• If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. If possible, find a shelter location that allows your pet to remain with you.