September is National Preparedness Month

With emergency situations due to hurricanes, floods, fires and other disasters it is important to have an Emergency Plan for your family, including your pets and live stock. If you must evacuate, please plan to take your pets with you. Pets most likely will not survive on their own and if they do, you may not be able to locate them when you return home.

Visit Ready America to create your Family Emergency Plan today!

Planning Ahead - Before the Disaster

•    Vaccinate your pets. Pet shelters and boarding facilities will require proof that your pets are current on their vaccinations.
•    Keep a current photograph of each pet for identification purposes.
•    Always keep a collar with a securely fastened identification tag with current contact information on your pet and have a leash available.
•    Prepare a Pet Survival and First Aid Kit.
•    Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping your pets – you may be reunited with your pet even if they lose their collar if they have a microchip.
•    Have a secure pet carrier or kennel for each animal - Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time so carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down   comfortably.
•    Many emergency shelters will not allow pets for public health reasons, so plan for a shelter alternative such as a friend or family member that lives in a different area or check with boarding kennels, veterinarians and shelters/rescue groups for emergency shelter solutions. You can also check for pet friendly hotels/motels in the area you plan to evacuate to, try a website like  www.pettravel.com for information on pet friendly hotels in Puerto Rico.

Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.

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Make a Pet Disaster Survival Kit

•    Food and water for at least five days for each pet.
•    Bowls for food and water for each pet.
•    A manual can opener for canned dog or cat food.
•    Pet medications and veterinary records stored in a resealable waterproof bag.
•    Pet first aid kit including a pet first aid book.
•    Litter box, cat litter, garbage bags and litter scoop.
•    Leashes, harnesses and collars with identification tags.
•    Appropriate sized secure carrier or kennel for each animal.
•    Blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.
•    Current photos and descriptions of your pets for identification should you become separated  stored in a resealable waterproof bag.
•    Information on feeding and medication  schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems and contact information for your veterinarian in case you have to board your pet.
•    Newspaper
•    Paper towels
•    Trash bags
•    Grooming items
•    Household bleach

Store items in a sturdy container that can be easily carried and have non perishable items packed and ready in advance.

Helpful Contact Information in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico State Veterinarian –

Dr. Hector J. Diaz
State Veterinarian
Department of Agriculture
Hwy 693-Kilometer 40 Barrio Higuillar
Dorado, PR 00646
PO Box 10163 (mail)
San Juan, PR 00908-1163
Phone: 787-796-1650
Fax: 787-796-5873
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.agricultura.gobierno.pr/

Department of Agriculture –

Department of Agriculture

1309 Ave. Fernández Juncos
Pda. 19 1/2, Piso 2
San Juan, PR 00908-1163
Phone Numbers: 787-721-2120, 787-722-0871, 787-725-6544
Fax: 787-723-8512
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.agricultura.gobierno.pr/

Puerto Rico Veterinary Medical Association -

Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico

Phone Numbers: 787-283-2840, 787-283-0565, 787-479-9100

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.cmvpr.org/

Cruz Roja Americana -

Cruz Roja Americana Puerto Rico
PO Box 9021067
San Juan PR, 00902-1067
787-758-8150

Download these very informative booklets - 

Saving the Whole Family © from the American Veterinary Medical Association -  English Version (PDF)   Spanish Version (PDF)

Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense from Ready.Gov- English Version (PDF)