It is to be used in for people with a specific disability:  Mobility, Visual, Communication, Cognitive, Psychiatric, Hearing, etc.  Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.

Activity                                                                    Date Completed

I.D. Tags and License are current.                     ______________

Animal Care Plan.                                           ______________

Be prepared to Function Without

Assistance from service animal - Identify

Alternate Mobility Cues.                                   ______________

Assemble Service Animal's Emergency Kit.             ______________

I.D.s and Licenses

Make sure your service animals and pets have I.D. tags with both your home telephone number and that of a your primary out of town contact person. Make sure your animal's license is current.

Animal Care

Plan how your pets will be cared for if you have to evacuate. Pets, in contrast to service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters due to health regulations, so have some animal shelters identified! Contact your local Red Cross chapter or state office of emergency management for guidance.

Establish relationships with other animal owners in your neighborhood. In case you are not home, there will be someone to help your animal.

Alternate Mobility Cues

Pets and service animals may become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented in and after a disaster: keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal. Be prepared to use alternative ways to negotiate your environment.

Service Animals Kit (for 7 days)

Container suggestions: pack supplies in a pack that your animal can carry in case you need to evacuate.

This kit should include:

• Bowl for water and food
• Food
• Blanket for bedding
• Plastic bags and paper towels for disposing of feces
• Neosporin ointment for minor wounds (Animals can easily get cut after a disaster. Ask your veterinarian if there is anything specific you should include for your animal.)
• A favorite toy
• Extra harness

Adapted from Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco and the American Red Cross