• Prepare a list of veterinarians and boarding kennels that shelter pets in an emergency. If you plan to go to a public shelter, make arrangements with a kennel, veterinarian, or a dependable friend to keep your pet.
• Contact the American Automobile Association for The Pet Book, a listing of hotels and motels which accept pets. If you have notice of impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

• Have a pet carrier for each pet, where your pet can stand and turn around. For cats, have enough room for a small litter box inside. Write your name, address, phone number, and a phone number of someone outside the area, on the carrier.
• Pet food, water, bowls, cat litter/box, medications, and manual can opener.
• Newspapers, plastic bags, cleanser and disinfectants to handle pet wastes.
• Cotton sheet to cover the carrier to keep your pet calm.
• First Aid Kit – ask your veterinarian for the supplies appropriate for your pet.

• 1 gallon zip-lock bag to hold all of the contents
• Sandwich size zip-lock bags for pet treats and a small toy
• Medical history record for your pet
• Current picture of your pet (in case you become separated), with your name, address, and phone numbers
• Collar and leash for dog and/or adjustable collar for cat
• Identification tag
• Any special information on your pet
• Always keep the kit updated and available

• In Orange County, please call 311 for updated information regarding emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets
• Stock up on pet food and supplies
• Bring all pets in the house so you won't have to search for them
• Make sure all animals wear a collar with current identification on them, including a number of a friend or relative outside of the area.
• Current rabies certificate and tag
• Medical history
• All medications
• Portable carrier
• Food, water, and bowls
• Litter & litter box for cats
• Leash for dogs
• Collar and identification on your pet
• Disaster planning kit
• You may not be home if an evacuation order comes. Find a trusted friend who is willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where the pets should be, know where your disaster supplies and kits are, and have a key to your home. Share your plan with friends and relatives.

Birds

Transport birds in a secure travel carrier. Cover the carrier to provide the pet with additional security. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird's feathers often. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Keep the carrier in a quiet area.

Pocket Pets

Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food, bowls, and water bottles.

Reptiles

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, placed inside a secure carrier. If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking and a heating pad. When transporting lizards, follow the same instructions as for birds.

If it is safe to do so, and you plan on "riding out the storm:"

• Stock up on pet food, supplies, and medications (to last at least 2 weeks)
• Place dry food in a sturdy waterproof container
• Fill bathtub or use other non-spillable containers for animals to have water
• Put pets in a prepared "safe" area of the home (without windows)
• Outdoor pets should be brought indoors
• Keep dogs and cats separated, even if they are friends

Caution! If your pet is left outside, fallen power lines, debris, flooding, and displaced wildlife can be a danger to your pet.

Wildlife may become a nuisance and SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED. Call Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 352-732-1225.

• The disaster will have altered your pet's normal scent markers and may cause them to get lost; so stay with them when they are outdoors.
• Your pet will probably be disoriented and frightened. Be patient and understanding; the situation is just as traumatic to them as to you.
• Consult your veterinarian if any behavior or physical problems persist.
• Fallen power lines, scattered debris, flooding and misplaced wildlife can be a danger to your pet.