If you notice that your pet's behavior has changed, monitor your pet closely. Stay away from stray pets that are acting aggressive after an emergency. Keep your pets on a leash and maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior.

If your pet was lost, contact boarding kennels, humane shelters and veterinary hospitals. Also place signs or pet emergency stickers on your door, to notify emergency crews that you have pets that need to be found or that are inside your house and need to be rescued. These stickers and signs are available at many pet stores or for FREE from the ASPCA (click here to fill out the form!). Include an address and phone number on them of a close relative or friend that isn’t from your area.

3. If you find a pet, call animal control or alternate emergency phone numbers set up during the disaster. The best defense against lost animals is to have them wear a collar with identification tag.
Making sure your family is prepared should be the number one priority in a disaster situation. It is also your responsibility to make sure your pets are prepared and well taken care of. Imagine having hungry, anxious animals running loose to compound the problems of an emergency. Love your family and your pets!

For more information on taking care of pets in an emergency check out these web sites: