Joint Information Center

(Harris County, TX)--As families in coastal areas make plans for hurricane season, it is important to plan for the care of their pets. Family pets should never be left behind in an evacuation. No one knows how long it may be before residents are allowed to return home.

Make plans now about where you and your family would stay if local officials call for an evacuation. If you and your family are self-evacuating, make reservations ahead of time and leave early. Keep in mind that not all hotels or shelters allow pets.

If you will need transportation assistance during an evacuation, call 2-1-1 in advance to add your name to the Transportation Assistance Registry. State officials say that no one will be denied transportation assistance because he or she is accompanied by a household pet.

Make sure all your pets are wearing identification and that you have their veterinary records with you. As you are preparing your family disaster supply kit, also prepare a supply kit for each of your animals in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers.

Supplies for pets will differ depending on whether you are self-evacuating or you have requested transportation assistance. A typical pet supply kit for those who are evacuating in their own family vehicles should include:

• Two-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs, dry and canned food, can opener, spoon or scoop and disposable bowls

• Two-week supply of any medications

• Cage, crate or carrier labeled with your contact information

• Leash, collar, harness, muzzle

• Proof of ownership, such as a picture of you with your pet

• Copies of veterinary records

• Feeding and medication instructions, including what NOT to feed your pet

• Pet toys, bedding or treats

• Clean up supplies, including plastic, sealable bags for solid waste, cat litter, litter pan and scoop, newspaper, paper towels, hand sanitizers, wet and dry wipes, trash bags and odor eliminators.

If you are requesting transportation assistance from the state or local government, ask ahead of time what will be allowed on transport out of the area. Some items may not be appropriate due to space limitations on buses, such as multiple jugs of water or large containers of food. There will not be room for litter and litter pans. A collapsible, soft-sided carrier for small dogs and cats is better than a hard cage or crate, unless the crate can be folded and stowed as luggage.

For information on disaster supply kits for families, see the Public Information section of the TDEM Web site: www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

For more information on household pets and livestock in disasters visit the FEMA Web site at  www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals and the Texas Animal Health Commission Web site: www.tahc.state.tx.us.