Pets and Service Animals

If You Have Pets

You should create an emergency kit for each of your pets as well. This kit should include:

• Identification collar, rabies, and vaccination tags.
• Crate, cage, or other pet carrier.
• Harness or leash.
• Any medications and be sure to check expiration dates.
• Sanitation (pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels).
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavioral problems.
• The name and number of your veterinarian and veterinary records. Most animal shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccination.
• Food (three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container) and a manual can opener if needed.
• Water (three day supply in addition to water for yourself and your family).
• A picture of you and your pet together.
• Favorite toys, treats, or bedding.

If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside, unless it is a service animal. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.

• Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
• Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
• Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
• Ask friends and relatives outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you cannot care for your animal(s) yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, and relatives to make
sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

If You Have a Service Animal

The ADA defines a service animal as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. If they meet
this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by state or local government. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform for him or herself.

All of the above considerations should be given, however, in case of evacuation, a service animal must be allowed anywhere their handler is permitted to go. This includes hotels, motels, hospitals, and public shelters, even if these locations do not normally allow pets. (Other assistance animals such as emotional support pets, companion animals, therapy animals, etc., shall follow the same guidelines for pets.)

Pets and Service Animals Should Not Be Left Behind

If you have no other choice than to leave them at home, place your pet/service animal in a safe area inside your home with plenty of water and food. Never leave animals chained outside. A note should be placed outside of your home listing what animals are inside, where they are located, and phone numbers where you can be reached. If it is a service animal, the note should include their service animal status, and Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) registration number (if applicable).