The best thing that you can do for your pets in case of a disaster is to be prepared.  Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse.  Once you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area and you may not be able to go back for your pets.

So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.  There are many varieties of disasters that may require either a brief absence from your home to long term evacuation.  These include Hurricanes, Wild Fires, Floods, Tornados, Earthquakes and more.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!  Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets.  They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards.

Things that you should include in your Pet Disaster Kit:

• Photocopies of medical records that include up to date vaccinations.  Some places may require this in order to let you enter with your pets.
• Your pet's ID Tag should contain his name, your name and contact information.  Be sure to hook one of these tags to your pet's carrier/crate as well.
• Pet Blinker; a compact lighted collar safety devise that easily attaches to dog & cat collars. (Large Breed, Small/Medium Breed).  Be sure and have Replacement Batteries as well.
• A waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires.
• First aid kit (see your vet about what should be included in this kit or purchase one that is already put together).
• Life Jacket (to help keep pets afloat in case of flooding.
• Portable carrier/crate to transport pets safely. (preferably one for each pet)
• Bed for carrier/crate
• Hands Free Leash that gives you the ability to keep your pet hooked to you so that they can't escape. (Outward Hound,  Dogmatic)
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• 3-7 days worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food
• Bottled water (at least 7 days worth for each pet
• Disposable litter trays and litter for cats
• Portable or disposable food and water bowls 
• Waste Pickup Bags

Research hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.  Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species.  Ask if "no pet" policies would be waived in case of disasters.  (To find Pet Friendly hotels in you state, search the internet using the keyword phrase "Pet Friendly Hotels in <Name of State>.  Make a list of pet-friendly places and keep it handy.

Below is a partial list of hotels chains that allow pets:

•  Candlewood
• Clarion Hotel
• Comfort Inn & Suites
• Candlewood
• Econo Lodge
• Holiday Inn
• La Quinta Inn & Suites
• Mainstay Suites
• Motel 6
• Quality Inn & Suites
• Red Roof Inn
• Rodeway Inn & Suites
• Sleep Inn & Suites
• Staybridge Suites
• Studio 6
• Suburban Extended Stay

The one good thing that came out of Hurricane Katrina is the the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Acts, H.R. 3858, which requires state and local emergency management agencies to make plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency.  The legislation passed by a vote of 349 to 24.  Search Internet for PETS Act to find out more about this ACT.

Again, if you don't already have your Pet Disaster Kit ready, please make sure to do that today!  I offer a Pet Disaster Kit in my Pet Shoppe to get you started.  Remember, LEAVE NO PET BEHIND!

I hope that this in some way helps you to be prepared to take your beloved pets with you should you have to evacuate.  Keep in mind that your PET is part of your family too!