Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. Pet-Friendly Shelters will fill up fast, so your plan should include additional relocation arrangements. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the ONLY animals allowed in non- Pet-Friendly Shelters. In planning for an emergency evacuation:

• A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated)
• Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet takes, why he or she takes them, and their dosages
• Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information
• Physical description of your pet, including his/her species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior
• Animal first-aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian
• Food and water for at least three days, Food and water dishes
• Collapsible cage or carrier, Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet calm
• Comforting toys or treats
• Litter, litter pan, litter scoop, Plastic bags for clean-up

Some emergencies may prevent you from returning home. In planning for such emergencies:

• Identify a trusted friend, neighbor, or dog-walker to care for or evacuate your pet in your absence. This person should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.
• Put stickers on the main entrances to your home to alert rescue workers of the number and types of pets inside. Update the information on the stickers every six months. Free Rescue Alert stickers can be ordered from the Suffolk County SPCA.
• Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your pet’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.

If you have no choice but to leave your pet at home:

• Never leave your pet outside during an emergency.
• Leave a minimum three-day supply of food and water.
• Consider using a large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser.
• Consult with your veterinarian to develop a plan for your pet’s needs.
• Make sure all doors and windows are secure so your pet cannot escape.
• Place a Rescue Alert sticker on the main entrances of your home to alert rescue workers that there are pets inside.

• Dogs and cats should wear a collar or harness, rabies tag, and identification tag at all times. Identification tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and the phone number of an emergency contact. Dogs should also wear a license.
• Talk to your veterinarian for information about micro chipping your pet. A properly registered microchip enables positive identification of your pet if you and your pet are separated.

Include pet supplies in your Emergency Supply Kit – the set of supplies you need to survive in your home for at least three days.

• Pet food (if you use wet food, make sure you have pop-up cans on hand or a manual can-opener). Rotate food and water items every six months to avoid expiration.
• Water. Dehydration is a serious health risk to animals. Check with your veterinarian to see how much water your pet needs on a daily basis.
• Plastic bags, newspapers, containers and cleaning supplies for dealing with pet waste.

Birds

• Transport birds in small, secure covered carriers
• Try to minimize temperature changes. Use a spray bottle for misting in hot weather and a hot water bottle for warming in cold weather.
• Try to minimize severe changes in noise, and keep the cage covered to keep your bird(s) calm.

• Transport amphibians in a water-tight plastic bag or plastic container with ventilation holes.
• Transport reptiles in a pillowcase, cloth sack or small carrier and transfer into a secure cage as soon as possible.
• Use a spray bottle for cooling and a heating pad or battery-operated heating lamp to keep pets warm.
• Try to minimize changes in temperature, lighting and diet.
• Do not mix species.

• Small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, etc., can be transported using a small carrier, cage or secure box. To minimize stress, keep the carrier covered and attempt to reduce severe changes in temperature and noise.

It is important that you create a list of emergency contacts before an emergency. Consider local and out-of-area resources. Keep a copy of this list by your phone.

• Local Veterinarian
• Alternate Veterinarian
• Emergency Pet Contact
• Local Boarding Facility
• Boarding Facility (30-90 miles from your home)
• Pet-friendly Hotels (30-90 miles from your home)
• Local Animal Shelter
• Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (631) 382-7722; 24 hrs.
• Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (631) 852-4900; 24 hrs.

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