Service Animal Planning by Ascher Grady, Virginia Department of Health

Important Information Regarding Your Service Animal or Pet In The Event of a Disaster:

Whether they’re your eyes, ears or best friend you need to make a plan for your service animal or pet in the event of an emergency. In both cases the animal should wear an I.D. tag at all times with your home phone number or secondary phone number. Make sure the animal is licensed with the local city/county animal control bureau.

During a disaster your pet or service animal may become frightened or disoriented. Keep your pet or service animal confined or securely leashed or harnessed. Be prepared to use alternative ways to navigate your way around. If you go to an emergency shelter be aware that pets, unlike service animals are not allowed in many emergency shelters due to health code regulations. Attempt to locate a pet friendly animal shelter ahead of time by contacting your local Animal Control Agency. If you have to evacuate and leave your pets behind plan to have them cared for by a friend or neighbor.

If you evacuate, what to take along for your pet/service animal:

License paperwork
Proof of rabies vaccination
Current photo of pet or service animal
Veterinarian contact information
Bowl
Food and water
Blanket for bedding
Plastic bag for disposing of feces
Triple anti-biotic ointment such as Neosporin for minor wounds (pets and service animals can easily get cut by broken glass and debris after a disaster).
Favorite toy
Leash or harness