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June Is Pet Preparedness Month
[June 07, 2025]
Springfield – It’s not just
two-legged loved ones who need a disaster preparedness plan.
Four-legged, no-legged, and other pets will need assistance if there
is an emergency. A survey by the American Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals indicated that while 83 percent of pet owners
live in an area impacted by disasters, fewer than half have a
preparedness plan.
“Just like for humans, we need to be prepared for disasters on
behalf of our pets,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and
Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore
(Ted) Berger. “Not only do we need to think through all the items
necessary to care for pets when we are at home, we need a plan in
case we are not home and need arrangements for care.”
For example, a recent photo of you and your pet will be key if you
are separated and want to be reunited. Rescuers will want proof that
your pet belongs to you.
More pet preparedness tips:
Create a pet preparedness kit with medications, non-perishable
food and treats, water, bowls, cat litter and pan, waste bags,
blanket, bedding for pocket/exotic pets (and perhaps a heat source),
toys, first aid kit, and copies of medical records
Have up-to-date identification on your pet
Identify a safe area of your home where all can stay together during
a shelter-in-place recommendation, and keep dogs on leashes and cats
in carriers
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Coordinate with a
trusted friend, relative, or neighbor to take care of pets and
their disaster kits if you’re not home, then meet you a specific
location
Don’t allow pets to roam loose in a damaged home or
neighborhood.
Many shelters or other emergency centers do not allow pets
because of health and safety concerns, so it is critical that
you plan ahead for your pets’ care.
More tips on pet preparedness information can be found
here.
[Illinois Emergency Management Agency]
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