Pet Preparedness

Pets depend on us for their safety and well-being, so be sure to include them in your family emergency plan.  If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them with you.  ACC encourages you to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster situation.  This page contains information and links to tips on how to make sure you and your pet are best protected and prepared in the event that you must evacuate your home.

ACC works with Emergency Management and American Red Cross to ensure that emergency sheltering for pets is available for anyone who needs to evacuate their home.  ACC may set up temporary pet shelters at various Red Cross Evacuation Shelters to house pets.

Stay tuned to your local news stations for information on the locations of Evacuation Shelters.

Scroll down on this page to watch a YouTube video created by our Pet Preparedness expert, Supervisor T Kirchhoffer.

Planning Ahead & Pet Safety

Warnings are often issued hours - even days in advance.  A little advance planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.

  • Have pet disaster supplies ready to take at a moment's notice.

  • Bring all pets inside so that you won't have to search for them if you must leave in a hurry.

  • Securely fasten collars with up-to-date identification on all dogs and cats.

  • Attach phone numbers (including cell phone) and address of your temporary shelter or a friend or relative outside the disaster area.

  • Keep dogs securely leashed.

  • Keep cats in carriers.

  • Birds and animals that are kept in cages should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.  In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier.

  • In an emergency, remember that pets can react differently under stress.

  • Do not leave your animals unattended where they can run off, and don't turn them loose during an emergency.   The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or event bite.

  • Make sure your pet is microchipped in case your pet gets lost during an emergency.  A Microchip is permanent identification for your pet. Is your pet already microchipped? Great! Make sure the information attached to your microchip is Up to Date with your current information (address, phone number, etc.). You can update your personal information at the Microchip Registration Page.

  • MEDICAL RECORDS: If you cannot grab your pets' medical records before you evacuate but you have a smart phone you can download the Pet First Aid App from the American Red Cross. There you can upload your pet's picture and all their medical information so you can take it with you everywhere you go. If you cannot grab your phone, you can still access the information on someone else's phone or online. For more information, go to redcross.org/mobileapps. This app also has many other pet features in case of other pet emergencies.

A sample of a pet disaster supplies kit:
picture of pet supplies in a large tupperware bin as an example of a pet preparedness kit
 
CDC Pet Disaster Kit Checklists.
 

What to bring to a Pet Evacuation Shelter:

  • Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.  (Pets who live in cages should be brought in their cage)

  • Proper identification tags for all pets

  • Pet immunization and medical records (see below for an application that can help store medical records)

  • A minimum of a two-week supply of any medicine or special diet food that your pet requires

  • Blankets or toys

  • WATER: make sure you bring enough water for the entire family, which includes your pet

 
Learn more at ready.gov/animals 
 

ACC's Disaster Boarding Agreement

In the event that an Evacuation Shelter closes before an owner can find permanent housing for the pet, ACC will make every effort to accommodate the pet at their facility at 8315 Byrum Drive Charlotte, NC until permanent housing is found.  The Disaster Boarding Agreement states that ACC will provide housing for a pet for up to 6 weeks.

The first 14 days will be free of charge.  Beginning on the 15th day, there will be a charge of $15 a day for dogs and $9 day for cats.  The owner is required to check in with ACC at the end of the first 7 days with an update and each 7-day period thereafter.  At the end of 6 weeks the situation will be evaluated, and ACC will do their best to accommodate the situation. 

In limited circumstance, boarding fees may be waived if a financial hardship can be validated.

Lost Pets
ACC takes photos and post photos and descriptions of every lost animal that comes into the shelter.  These photos are posted on the lost pets in the shelter page.

PETS Act

This was a law passed in October 2006 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Southwestern States. This law requires governmental jurisdictions to include pets in evacuation and disaster planning. It also requires specific Red Cross shelters work in conjunction with animal related agencies to set up pet friendly areas at people-designated shelters. It does not require private businesses (such as hotels) to take in pets from evacuees. Businesses reserve the right to refuse animals based on their policies.

ACC works very closely with local law enforcement, fire agencies, emergency management, and Red Cross to assist incoming evacuees and local pet owners with setting up pet friendly areas so owners can keep their pets with them.

 

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