PetsIncluded.org: Planning For Your Pet When You Can't Be There For Them

Pet left on Locked Front Porch - Hurricane Katrina (FEMA Photo by Liz Roll)

Just as parents make arrangements for a substitute caregiver for children in the event of emergencies, it is essential that we do the same for our companion animals. Don't assume that your neighbor will come over and take care of your pets - he or she may be faced with their own emergency and unable to respond to your animals.

When choosing someone to care for your animals you need to not only choose someone completely responsible, but to have a back up caregiver chosen in the event your primary caregiver is unavailable.
It is wise to choose an additional person who does not live in your neighborhood, as they will be impacted by a disaster that would also impact your home.
Sit down with your pet caregiver and make a "what if" plan.... (see "Pet Guardians" for examples).
Tell your substitute pet caregiver what your wishes are should you be incapacitated or deceased.
Make sure your pets are comfortable with your substitute caregiver, and that your caregiver is able to leash them, crate them, and load them into their car. If they are not....practice!
Give your caregiver a signed authorization to provide emergency veterinary care for your pet(s) - see the link "Pet Guardians" for an example of a form.
Make sure your caregiver has a key to your home and all important contact information - veterinarian phone number, boarding phone numbers, family member phone numbers, etc.
Make sure your family members know who your substitute pet caregiver is and that they have your caregiver's contact information.
Place a "Fireman save my pet" pet sticker on one or more windows of your home.
Put a copy of your pet guardian plan inside your pet's disaster kit.