Mobile County residents urged to include pets in emergency plans 09.18.26

September 18, 2026

Mobile County residents urged to include pets in emergency plans

MOBILE, Ala. — During National Preparedness Month, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reminding residents that emergency readiness includes every member of the household — pets included.

Whether the threat is a hurricane, flash flooding, a prolonged power outage, or another emergency, residents should make plans for their animals before an evacuation or shelter-in-place order is issued. FEMA’s Ready Campaign stresses that pets are important members of the family and should be included in a household’s emergency plan, emergency supply kit and evacuation preparations.

“Pets depend on us for their safety,” said Brittany Edmondson, Emergency Preparedness Administrator for MCHD. “A disaster plan is not complete until it includes arrangements for the animals in your care. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent a stressful and potentially dangerous situation later.”

Plan Before an Evacuation

When local officials direct residents to evacuate, families should take their pets with them whenever possible. Leaving animals behind can place them at risk of injury, illness, separation or worse.

Pet owners should identify safe places for animals well before an emergency. This may include pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, relatives, friends, or other trusted locations outside the anticipated impact area. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so residents should not assume that a shelter or lodging location will be able to accommodate their animal.

Residents should contact a prospective location in advance to verify its pet policy, required vaccination records, available space, breed or size restrictions, and any required fees. Families should also identify more than one option in case their preferred destination is unavailable.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

FEMA recommends maintaining two pet supply kits: a larger kit for sheltering at home and a lightweight, portable kit for evacuation. Pet owners should review supplies regularly to keep food, water, and medications current.

A pet emergency kit should include:

• Several days’ supply of pet food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• A supply of clean water and a portable water bowl.
• Needed medications, stored safely in a waterproof container.
• Veterinary guidance or a pet first-aid kit, as appropriate.
• A backup leash, collar, harness and current identification tags.
• Copies of pet registration, vaccination and veterinary records in a waterproof container, with electronic copies available when possible.
• A crate, carrier or sturdy travel container for each pet.
• Sanitation items, including waste bags, paper towels, plastic bags, litter and a litter box when appropriate.
• A current photograph of the pet owner with the pet to help document ownership if the animal becomes separated from the family.
• Familiar comfort items, such as a favorite toy, blanket, bedding, or treats, which can help reduce anxiety during a stressful event.

Keep Identification Current

A collar and tag are important, but a microchip can provide an additional way to reunite a pet with its family. Pet owners should ensure their animal is microchipped and that the associated address, phone number, and emergency-contact information are current. FEMA also recommends including an emergency contact outside the immediate area.

Residents should consider taking a current photograph of themselves with each pet and storing it with their emergency documents and phone photos. This small step can be valuable if pets and owners become separated during an evacuation.

For additional pet preparedness resources, visit www.Ready.gov/pets.

Prepared families protect their pets, too. By planning ahead, Mobile County residents can help ensure that no family member is left behind when an emergency occurs.