The Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force recommends that all pet owners take these precautions:

All animals should be current on their inoculations. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets are current on their vaccinations and update them if needed.

All animals should be wearing current identification tags and microchips

Each pet owner should have a disaster plan that includes your pets. If your plans include evacuating with your pets you will need traveling supplies. If you would shelter in place, plan for keeping your pets indoors during the storm.

Some items that you will need to include in your disaster kit are:

• Pet Food and water (one gallon water per pet/per day) for 5 days and bowls
• Crates for small animals, leashes & muzzles (required for public transport) for larger dogs
• Cat litter and litter box (that fits inside the cat carrier)
• Sheet or towel for inside the carrier
• Paper towels, trash bags, newspaper, and hand sanitizers.
• Pet first aid kit
• Pet comfort items such as toys or chew bones
• Sealed plastic bag with: complete medical records, current photos of your pets (preferably with you in the photo), your information and phone number, and alternate phone numbers and alternate care-takers, be sure to include the name and number of someone who lives outside of the potential disaster area, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

Livestock pastures should be cleared of debris that may become airborne in a storm. Check fencing and buildings for needed repairs. Waterproof bags with your contact information should be posted on each entrance gate.

For more information on keeping your pets safe in disasters, visit: www.damtaskforce.com

Members of the Disaster Animal Management Task Force include:

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Veterinary Public Health, Task Force Chair

City of Houston Health & Human Services

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management

City of Houston Zoological Garden

Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Harris County Sheriff's Department--Livestock Division

Harris County Veterinary Medical Association

Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Texas Animal Health Commission

Texas Cooperative Extension--Texas A&M University

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