Plan

• Keep a collar, current license and up-to date ID tags on your pet at all times. Consider having your pet microchipped.
• Make sure your pet is comfortable being handled and is used to being in an appropriate carrier, box or cage for transport.
• Keep an updated list of trusted neighbors who could assist your animals in case of an emergency.
• Tighten and secure latches on birdcages. Fasten down aquariums on low stands or tables.

Kit

Make a Go-bag for each pet. Include:

• Sturdy leashes and/or carriers for transport. A pillowcase is a good option for transporting cats or other small animals.
• Muzzles for dogs Food, potable water and medicine for at least one week
• Non-spill bowls, manual can opener and plastic lid
• Plastic bags, litter box and litter
• Current photos of your pet, for reunification purposes
• Names and phone numbers of your emergency contact, local emergency veterinary hospitals and animal shelters
• Immunization records and information on any medical conditions and/or behavior problems
• Pet First-Aid kit and handbook
• Portable fencing or baby gates
• Pet Medications

Respond

• Remember that animals react differently under stress. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide and try to escape or even bite or scratch. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers or pillowcases.
• If your pet is lost, contact the nearest animal shelter to report your pet missing as soon as possible. When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to search and distribute “Lost Pet” posters.

Evacuation

• Do your best to locate all your animals and keep them with you.
• If you must evacuate to a disaster shelter, be aware that shelters will only allow service animals for persons with disabilities. In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up in close proximity to human shelters when possible. 

Providence Animal Control Center on Ernest Street will be an animal sheltering resource.

If you must leave your pets behind:

• Inform animal rescue workers of your pets' status: On your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated.
• Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.
• Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating.
• Do not tie up your pet in your home.

Animal Care and Control: Call 273-3121 or 2-1-1

For more information, visit RI DEM's Animal Care website or RI Disaster Response Team (RIDART)