Evacuation Tips
Whether it's wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes or floods, severe weather can mean immediate, sudden
evacuation. You and your family may be forced to leave your home quickly to get to shelter or higher
ground. Sometimes, you may have a few hours notice, and sometimes you may need to move more quickly.
If you live in a disaster-prone area, you may already have an evacuation plan for your family. But have
you included your dog in that plan? Many shelters, including the Red Cross, do not accept pets (except
service animals).
Here are some tips to prepare for an immediate evacuation.
Plan ahead
Remember that most emergency shelters do not accept pets. Call hotels in your area and in surrounding
states to inquire about their pet policies. Once you've located a few hotels that will accept pets, write down
the names, addresses, phone numbers and driving directions. Make sure to include alternate driving
directions in case roads are blocked. If you can't find a hotel, ask friends in the surrounding areas if you
and your dog(s) can stay with them.
Microchip or tattoo your dog
Permanent identification is the best way to ensure a lost dog will be returned to you. Contact AKC
Companion Animal Recovery for more information. AKC/CAR keeps a database of alternate contacts in
case you are unreachable. If you plan to stay with out-of-town friends or family during an evacuation, use
those names as one of your alternate contacts.
Assemble a disaster supply kit for your dog.
Take this kit with you should you need to evacuate. Include:
Leash and collar with ID tags
Current copy of vaccination records
Any medication your dog needs and written directions for dispensing medication
Photocopy of AKC registration papers and a copy of your dog's enrollment papers for AKC/CAR
Recent photo
At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water. Don't forget your dog's dishes!
Blankets and bedding
Crate with a few toys
Plastic "pick-up" bags
Train your dog
Obedience-trained dogs will respond better to commands and will be easier to handle during a stressful
situation such as an emergency evacuation.
Contact your local AKC-affiliated dog club. AKC-affiliated clubs may offer disaster preparedness classes
or tips. Some clubs in disaster-prone areas even offer evacuation assistance. Locate an AKC-affiliated
club in your area.