If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. 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.

Due to allergies and other health issues, most shelters that house people, don’t house pets; however they may know about other local options. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pet’s safety.  You can also contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area if they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

Make local animal shelters the last resort. Ask if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. They may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster.

Assemble portable pet safety supplies or First Aid kit.

Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a First Aid kit.

Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.

Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

Portable emergency food and water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.

Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Pet beds, blankets and toys, if easily transportable.

Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet safety supplies are kept and have a key to your home.

Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide or try to escape or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.