Preparing Family Pets For Evacuation

In preparation of serious weather or another situation that threatens evacuation as a result of floods and/or power loss, PLEASE put your emergency pet kits together NOW, so that they will be ready at a moments notice.

Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Your pet should also be wearing a rabies tag and a license tag (dogs).

Pet Kits Should Include:

  1. Photocopies of current rabies vaccination certificate and all other medical records with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit - otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
  2. 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food
  3. Disposable cat litter trays
  4. Cat Litter
  5. Liquid dish soap and disinfectant, sponge
  6. Disposable garbage bags and litter scoop
  7. Pet feeding dishes
  8. Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
  9. Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
  10. A traveling crate or sturdy carrier (one for each pet); Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier
  11. Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
  12. Recent photos of your pet (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
  13. Pet's blanket and toys

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several days/weeks.

When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials.

The best thing that you can do for your pet is to make this situation as stress-free as possible. By keeping him on his same food, sleeping in his same crate with his same blanket and same toys, makes a big difference. Our emergency shelter staff is trained to handle your pets in emergency situations, and rest assured, we will do everything we can to make their stay as comfortable and secure as possible.


Animal Control Officer
Inspector of Animals
Marshfield Police Department
1639 Ocean Street
Marshfield, MA 02050
(781) 834-6655
Email
Director of Public Relations & Communications, Animal Control Officers Assoc. of Massachusetts (ACOAM), Website
Transport Coordinator, Safe People Safe Pets, Website
State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART), Website