🐾 Disaster planning for pets and animals

In an emergency, don’t forget about your pets. You should make a plan that includes your animals. This page will help you get ready!

🐶 Pet disaster supply kit

Keep your pet’s supplies in a waterproof container that is easy to carry. Here is what you need:

• 🐾 Food and water for at least 3 days
• 📄 Medical records and rabies shot certificate
• 💊 Prescription medicine
• 🧸 Pet toys and bedding
• 📸 A current photo of your pet
• 🐱 Litter and litter box (for cats)
• 🦴 Leash and collar
• 🚗 Pet carrier or crate

🏠 Pet-friendly shelters

During a natural disaster, Clay County may open public shelters. Some will allow pets. These will be announced when needed. Public shelters should be your last option if you have no other place to go.

✅ Animals allowed at pet-friendly shelters:

• Dogs 🐕
• Cats 🐈
• Rodents 🐭
• Rabbits 🐇
• Birds 🐦

🎒 What to bring to a pet-friendly shelter

• A crate large enough for your pet to stand and turn around
• Litter box, food and water bowls (for cats)
• Leash and collar
• Food and water
• Any medicine your pet needs
• Bedding and toys
• Important documents

🔗 Helpful links

• FEMA: Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
• Animal-Related Emergency Response (AVMA)
• ASPCA Disaster Preparedness
• Humane Society Pet Disaster Preparedness
• Red Cross: Pet Disaster Preparedness

🐴 Large animal and livestock safety

Clay County does not have shelters for horses or livestock during disasters. If you have large animals, plan ahead to evacuate with them.

📦 What to pack for horses:

• Medical records and Coggins test
• Current photo of your horse
• Halters with your contact info
• First aid kit
• Medicines
• Water, hay, and feed for a few days

🏡 If you can’t evacuate

If you need to shelter your animals at home, take these steps:

• Mark animals with ID (like a tag or brand)
• Make barns stronger and safer
• Remove fences that block the way to higher ground
• Store enough water for one week
• Know your backup water and power options
• Secure anything that might blow away
• Keep emergency contact info handy