Being prepared for a disaster can save your pets' lives. Most importantly, if you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. In Southern California, with the constant risk of earthquakes, we recommend that you keep the following items in a secure easy to reach location (we keep ours inside our pet carriers, ready to grab and go):

1. pet first-aid kit: click for Red Cross Pet First Aid kit & guide (print out & keep in kit)
2. a week's supply of food, water, litter and pan bowls, sealed in water-proof containers
3. current ID tags on your pet at all times (we recommend microchipping all pets, ask your vet for details)
4. current color photos (in case your pet is lost) and pre-made LOST posters, preferably with a cell phone number and out-of-area alternate contact
5. a list of safe places to take your pets, including hotels within driving distance that accept pets 

Here are some excellent online articles detailing step-by-step preparation and disaster plans: 

• Red Cross's Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared
• Cats Planning Against Disaster
• Exotic Pets Planning for Disasters
• Equine Disaster Planning

We created this page as a direct response to the September 11 attacks on America. Click here for our PetClicks newsletter and orginal page with a message from our Director, links and news.