When devastating floods forced them from their home, Brownie (pictured above) and her pet parent faced an impossible choice: find shelter or stay together. Of the few places offering refuge, none allowed pets.
"I just wasn't going to leave Brownie behind," they said. "He's the only family I've got."
Pets are family, too
Sadly, stories like Brownie's are all too familiar. As pet parents, our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts, and their safety and well-being are top priorities. Pets have become such integral family members that 90 percent of pet owners say they would not evacuate if their pets couldn't come with them—yet not all shelters are pet friendly.
That’s why, in 2022, PetSmart Charities and the American Red Cross launched a partnership to support pets as essential family members during times of disaster. Building on that initial $2.25 million commitment, in 2026 PetSmart Charities announced its expanded support with an additional $2.8 million over the next three years. Together, this ongoing collaboration helps the Red Cross meet the needs of people and their pets affected by disasters big and small across the U.S. This partnership remains the first of its kind between two nonprofits—the largest funder of animal welfare and the nation’s largest disaster relief organization.
Helping pets by helping their people
Fortunately, Brownie and her owner finally came across the help they needed. They found refuge together at a Red Cross shelter with a pet-friendly policy.
PetSmart Charities' continued investment in the Red Cross helps ensure that pets are included in disaster planning, response, and recovery to keep pets and people together during times of crisis. Since pets are part of the family, the Red Cross began efforts to identify specific disaster shelters across the country for those accompanied by pets. With PetSmart Charities’ support, these efforts reached new heights by combining our animal welfare expertise with Red Cross disaster response resources, helping the organization launch a new feature in its Emergency App that allows pet parents to locate pet-friendly shelters during disasters.
The Checklist: Evacuating with Your Pet
A well-thought-out plan that includes your furry companion is critical. Here is a checklist to help you prepare for and navigate the process of evacuating with your pet.
Identification and Documentation:
- Update your pet's identification tags
- Have recent photographs of you with your pet to assist with identification.
- Keep a copy of your pet's medical records, vaccinations, and essential medications in a waterproof container and have them available electronically.
Emergency Supplies:
- Enough food and water for at least five days
- Bowls and a can opener (if needed for canned food)
- Medications and first aid supplies.
- A leash, harness, or carrier to transport your pet.
- Comfort items to reduce stress.
- Sanitation needs such as pet litter and litter box, paper towels and waste bags
Temporary Shelter:
- Download the American Red Cross Emergency App to help you find pet-friendly shelters and resources during a disaster, and to receive real-time alerts for your area. Use this link or text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 to download.
- Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics for temporary housing options.
- Reach out to friends or family members who may be willing to provide a safe haven for your pet.
Transportation:
- Plan how you will transport your pet during an evacuation.
- Ensure your vehicle has necessary supplies such as pet carriers, restraints, and blankets.
- If you plan to use public transportation, research pet policies and restrictions beforehand.
Emergency Contacts:
- Compile a list that includes your veterinarian, local animal shelters, and pet-friendly accommodations.
- Share this information with a trusted friend or family member who can assist during an emergency.
Practice and Preparation:
- Practice evacuating with your pet, using different routes and methods of transportation.
- Familiarize your pet with its carrier or leash to reduce anxiety during stressful situations.
- Keep your pet's emergency supplies accessible and well-stocked.
- Learn how to help your pet if they are injured by downloading the Red Cross Pet First Aid app, or taking the Red Cross Pet First Aid course.
Stay Informed
- Keep a list of emergency, family, and work contacts.
- Refer to Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites for official information from emergency management agencies, such as your local Red Cross.
Creating comfort for people and pets
The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country every year, giving people comfort and hope during the worst days of their lives. As large disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, it's more important than ever to include pets as family members in relief efforts to prevent an increase in displaced populations who need support.
For families of pets like Romeo (shown below), disaster relief inclusion made a world of difference. Their owner sought shelter with the Red Cross after Hurricane Beryl knocked trees into both her Freeport, Texas house and her car. She and her dog, Romeo, walked 14 hours back to her hometown. After spending the night at the post office, she saw a flier about a pet-friendly Red Cross shelter.
With continued support from PetSmart Charities, including a new $2.8 million commitment over the next three years, the partnership with the Red Cross is helping more pet parents access critical resources and information during challenging times.
By following the checklist in this blog post, you can ensure that your pet is well-prepared and protected during times of crisis. Remember, taking proactive measures today can make all the difference in safeguarding the furry members of your family tomorrow.
