What will you do when you are told, “You must evacuate, now,” because a disaster is at hand?

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are hardest on those who are not prepared. After hurricane Katrina, many people made an evacuation plan for their family and their pets, and they keep a portable disaster kit on hand.

But far too many people are totally unprepared, especially when it comes to planning for their dogs.

According to an American Kennel Club survey, just over half the households surveyed across the nation have an evacuation plan that includes their pets, and far fewer have a pet disaster kit ready to go.

Assembling a pet disaster kit is not very difficult. Just as with your personal or family evacuation kit, you should be self-reliant for at least three days. You should include:

• Extra water – for at least three days
• Extra food – for at least three days
• Medicines – for at least three days (If your dog takes a monthly medication, include one dose)
• Vaccination record
• AKC registration papers, if your dog has them

When you set up your family’s evacuation plan, you should also plan for your dog. Shelters are set up for humans, and not all of them will take pets. You can compile a list of dog-friendly hotels in the area to which you would evacuate.

A buddy system might save the day if you should be at work or injured or otherwise unable to evacuate with your dog. Remember that your buddy will not be able to travel across town to get to your home. Can you find a neighbor who will be responsible for your dog if you cannot?

Be sure your dog has a permanent identification tag, either through a microchip or through a tattoo. Then enroll your dog in a recovery program, such as the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery Program (CAR).