Disasters can strike quickly and without warning – If it is not safe for you to stay in your home – it is not safe for your pet either
It’s important to develop and create a 72 hour Pet Emergency Survival Kit, much like we would for ourselves and our families.
Creating a Pet Emergency Survival Kit:
• 72 hour food supply, including bowls and a can opener
• 72 hour water supply
• Blankets/towels
• Toys
• Leash, muzzle, harness
• Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
• Pet carrier to allow for easy transport
• Medical records, Veterinarian’s name and contact number
• Medications and a pet first aid kit
• Current photo of your pet along with their name, address and brief description
• Information on your pets feeding schedule, temperament/behaviour, medical concerns
• ID tags and Micro chip number
• Flashlight
• List of boarding facilities, hotels that can accommodate pets
The Kit should be checked twice a year and updated it as necessary. Ensure that there is always fresh water and food, medication and restock any items that may have been used from it. Remember your ability to care for your pet during a time of emergency will depend on how well you have prepared for it. Take the time to create a Pet Emergency Survival Kit; it may just very well save your pets life one day.
The Ontario SPCA has some good information on emergency preparedness for pets.
Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART)
The Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) is dedicated to animal welfare through the preparation for and the actual rescue and shelter of domestic animals in a disaster.
Preparing your Pet’s Disaster Kit – PDF shopping lists for Cats, Dogs, Horses and Birds
Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team Society (ALERT)
The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) is dedicated to animal welfare through the preparation for and the actual rescue and shelter of domestic animals and livestock in a disaster. Located in Penticton and Kelowna.
BC SPCA
The B.C. SPCA has created two new emergency pop-up units that can be deployed wherever disaster strikes in order to accommodate cats and dogs in need. The two new emergency units, currently located in Kamloops and Prince George, can be deployed to help pets in emergency situations when their owners have to evacuate their homes.
Horse Council of B.C. (HCBC)
Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for Horse Owners
Your horses are your responsibility. In BC there is no designated government or disaster agency responsible for the evacuation, transportation and temporary stabling of horses during large scale incidents.
Vancouver Island Emergency Horse /Animal/ Livestock Evacuation
A Resource group for Vancouver Island BC. In cases of emergencies , of fire, flood etc. Supporters offering/needing help, during necessary evacuations of animals/people such as, but not limited to: Horses, Livestock, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and birds. Haulers with equipment, properties and supplies.
Vancouver Island Livestock Emergency Contact Group
Information should people need to evacuate their animals. This group is for Vancouver Island and gulf island livestock (of any kind) owners to post if they are needing help or help offered. I.E. truck, trailering, stalls and paddocks.
CARE – Coastal Animal Rescue & Education Network
CARE Network works to better the lives of animals along the west coast of Vancouver Island. We provide animal emergency response services, temporary foster care, transportation, spay/neuter and other immediate care for animals – domestic and wild.
Horse Emergency Checklist – BC SPCA
Livestock relocation
Government of BC website