In light of the recent disasters in Houston, Florida, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the wildfires in California, it is vital to plan now for an evacuation that will include your pets. Too many people were forced to evacuate without their pets. Many stayed and those that did evacuate went back to rescue their pets while it was still dangerous to return.

The bottom line, there has to be a plan to include pets. For me, there’s no option but you must plan ahead. In addition to an evacuation kit, you must know pet friendly hotels and shelters.

The Humane Society has put together a list of websites that can help you with this very important decision!

Never assume that you will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter. Before a disaster hits, call your local office of emergency management to see if you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets and verify that there will be shelters in your area that take people and their pets.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to find out if they accept pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if a “no pet” policy would be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of animal-friendly places handy, and call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.

For help identifying pet-friendly lodgings, check out these websites:

Bringfido.com
Dogfriendly.com
Doginmysuitcase.com
Pet-friendly-hotels.net
Pets-allowed-hotels.com
Petswelcome.com
Tripswithpets.com

Remember, your pets count!

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