A Plan for You & Your Animals

Don't Leave Home Without Them

When a disaster or emergency occurs and you have to leave always take your pets with you.
People think they will be able to return shortly to care for their animals, but too often the situation worsens and people cannot make it back to rescue their pets. Do not put your pets' lives, your life, or other rescuers' lives at risk.

When You Go - They Go

If you go to a public emergency shelter your pets may not be allowed inside. Think ahead. Have a plan in place. Where can you and your pet go for safety? A friend or family members' home? A pet friendly hotel?

Emergency Plan

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. For more information view the Emergency Plan (PDF).

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. Get involved with your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or become a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member. Help with the pet friendly sheltering plan in your community. Check with your Animal Control Officer or local town hall for ways that you can help. To learn more on how you can be prepared and how to volunteer, visit the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART) website.