The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to be prepared, and have a disaster plan.
If you are a pet parent, that plan includes your pets. Keep reading to find out what should be included in your pet disaster preparedness and first aid kits, and for additional resources. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Pets for tips on transporting your pet.
Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet parent, that plan includes your pets.
- Determine the safest place in your home, away from windows and breakables.
- Make prior arrangements with someone who may live in a safer area.
- Make sure you have a pet carrier for each pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around.
- Keep a disaster kit ready at all times for your pets.
- Take current photos of your pet to have as identification, should you and your pet become separated.
As Disaster Approaches….
- At the first warning or sign of a disaster, act to protect you and your pet.
- Call to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pet.
- Bring pets into the house so you can easily locate them if you must evacuate.
- Make sure all cats and dogs are wearing collars with ID tags securely fastened.
After a Disaster
Be cautious when letting your pet loose outdoors after a disaster. Familiar scents and landmarks may have been altered causing your pet to become disoriented and lost.
If your pet is lost, file a Lost Report with Maui Humane Society immediately!
Pet Evacuation
In order to enter a pet-friendly evacuation site, all pets must be current on vaccinations. No aggressive animals will be allowed. Owners are expected to provide all care, feeding, medication and cleaning for their pets in an Emergency Pet Shelter during the visitation hours posted.
In the event of an emergency, information from Maui County will be available at mauicounty.gov/emergency.
Pet Evacuation Kit
Assemble your kit in an easy-to-carry waterproof container. Your evacuation kit should include:
- 1 appropriately sized carrier per pet
- 2 week supply of food, water in jugs & your pets’ medications
- Food and water bowls
- Can opener and spoon
- Leash, collar, harness, muzzle
- Stakes, Tie-outs & hammer
- Litter, litter pan & scoop
- Puppy pads, newspaper, paper towels, poop bags, cleanser for pet waste
- Towels & blankets
- Toys & treats to make your pet comfortable
- Instructions on diet for each animal, including any restricted item in case of allergies
Pet First Aid Kit
- Activated Charcoal (liquid)
- Anti-diarrhea liquid or tablets
- Antibiotic ointment for wounds
- Antibiotic eye ointment and sterile eye rinse
- Bandage materials (gauze pads/rolls, tape, scissors, etc.)
- Cleansing materials (hydrogen peroxide, alcohol prep pads, liquid dish detergent)
- Flea, tick and heartworm treatments with instructions
- Cotton swabs, tweezers, syringe or eye-dropper
- Latex or non-allergencis gloves
Evacuation Care for Birds
- Transport in a secure cage or carrier. Do not let out.
- Carry a mister to mist their feathers and a towel to cover their cage/carrier
- Instead of putting water in the cage for transport, provide slices of fruit or veggies with high water content (e.g.—watermelon)
- Bring favorite treats and toys to keep your birds busy and comfortable
Evacuation Care for Critters
- Using a secure, covered cage or carrier to transport small mammals will make them feel safe and reduce stress.
- In addition to the items listed for your Pet Evacuation Kit, include dietary supplements, extra bedding and the appropriate exercise equipment needed to ensure your critters are comfortable during evacuation.
Evacuation Care for Livestock
Locate and pre-arrange an evacuation site for equine and livestock ahead of time. Possible sites include show grounds, race tracks, stables, your veterinarian, stockyards or auction facilities.
- Make sure your animals are familiar with being loaded into a trailer.
- If you do not have enough trailers to transport all of your animals, contact neighbors, local haulers, farmers or other transportation to establish available resources
- Ensure animals have ID. Brands, microchips, tattoos, halter tags or livestock markings on animal’s side can help reunite you with your livestock if you become separated.
Additional Resources
Pet Preparedness Info
Emergency Preparedness Info
Weather Info
NOAA Weather Broadcast Radio 162.550 MHZ or 162.400 MHZ
NOAA Weather Broadcast—Phone (recording)
Maui: (808) 871-6706
Lana’i: (808) 565-6033
Moloka’i: (808) 552-2477
Tune into local radio for up to date reports from the Emergency Alert System (EAS)
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