Department of Emergency Management

FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR PET

Because Hawaii is subject to dangerous year-round hazards such as flash floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes, it is important for pet owners to be prepared.  Pet owners should plan ahead and make advance preparations to insure the safety of their pets in the event of a natural disaster.

Pet Friendly Shelters have been developed by the State of Hawaii and are co-located with some general population shelters. Household pets entering a pet friendly shelter must be in a pet carrier for safety and owners should provide at least a two day supply of water and food for their pets.  In addition owners will be responsible for feeding, cleaning, and exercising their pets and may be asked to assist shelter staff.  If the pet shelter is not yet available, keep your pet in its carrier parked in your vehicle in a shaded and protected area next to the shelter.  Make sure that your vehicle provides adequate ventilation.  Pet Friendly Shelter locations will be broadcast over TV and radio.  Go to this link to see a list of Disaster Preparedness Information Sheets  that include a Huricane Shelter list with Pet Friendly locations.  

Determine the safest place in your home for your pet during a disaster.

 The place you select should be away from windows and in an area which is easy to clean.

Make advance arrangements with a dependable friend or relative for your pet to stay during an emergency.

 A safe place is away from coastal or low-lying areas.

Check with veterinary clinics or your local human society to locate boarding facilities.

 When you select a facility, be sure it is out of the immediate hazard area. Ask if the kennel has an emergency evacuation plan.

Keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date.

 Many boarding facilities will require proof of current vaccinations.

Keep a pet carrier on hand for each pet.

 The carrier's size should be large enough so your pet can stand up and turn around when inside it. Be sure to take time to familiarize your pet with the carrier.

Be sure your pet has a properly fitted collar and an identification tag on at all times.

 Keep a leash on hand to maintain control of your pet should you need to leave your home with your pet during an emergency.

Stock up on pet food and kitty litter.

 If your pets are on special diets or medication, always have two weeks supply.

Stock up on newspaper, plastic bags, and cleansers/disinfectants to handle pet wastes.

Bring your pets indoors well ahead of a natural disaster.

 Do not leave pets outside or tied up.

Prepare an indoor area in which your pet can stay.

 A good place provides protection from breaking glass, wind and noise.

 Use a tiled area which is easy to clean, such as the bathroom or garage.

 Be sure your pet has access to a high place, such as counter tops, in case flooding occurs.

Put safety first.

 Do not confine a dog and cat together, even if the two are normally friendly.

 Keep small pets, such as rabbits, mice and birds, away from dogs and cats.

 Leave difficult or aggressive animals in crates or cages to reduce the chance of the animals getting loose.

If you must evacuate your home take your pets with you.  If your home is not safe for you it is not safe for your pet. 

Use special food dispensers for birds. They must eat daily to survive.

You will need to have the following items ready to insure the safety of your pet in an emergency or natural disaster:

 Pet carriers or cages.

 Well-fitted collar/identification tag and leash.  Consider speaking with your veternarian about microchip identfication.

 Two weeks supply of dry-type pet food.

 Non-spill food and water bowls.

 Non-breakable water storage containers with three-day supply of water.

 Newspaper--plastic bags--cleansers--disinfectants--paper towels.

 Special medication, if needed.

In the after math of an emergency or natural disaster, be extra careful when letting your pet loose outdoors and be sure your pet wears an identification tag.Familiar scents and landmarks may have been altered causing your pet to get confused and possibly lost. If your pet is lost, call and visit the Humane Society as soon as possible.In addition, other dangers after a disaster could include downed power lines and debris created by strong winds or rain.

For more information, contact:

Hawaiian Human Society
2700 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
(808) 946-2187

Department of Emergency Management
City and County of Honolulu
650 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 723-8960

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