Being prepared for a disaster means also having a plan in place for your pets. Your plan should include knowing where your nearest shelter is and having a pre-packed emergency pet kit.

What to bring to an emergency shelter

Pets’ owners evacuating to an emergency shelter should bring a crate or carrier that’s large enough to accommodate the pet comfortably. Be sure you have a pre-packed emergency pet kit ready to go at a moment’s notice. As shelters do not stock pet supplies, your pre-packed emergency pet kit should include:

• 14-day supply of food and water in sealed containers
• Crate or carrier for each pet in which they can stand up and turn around
• Leash and collar with owner contact number on collar or ID tag. Be sure that your pet’s microchip is updated with your current contact information before the weather report spells trouble!
• Bedding, towels and toys
• Treats
• Food and water bowls; can opener (if needed)
• Medications
• Grooming supplies
• Cleaning supplies for crates and litter boxes
• Cat litter in sealed containers with litter pan
• Vaccine records, microchip number and other paperwork
• Veterinary information
• Photographs of your pet
• Pet first aid kit

Dogs or cats can be microchipped at your private veterinarian or by appointment at the Hawaiian Humane Society.

The City & County of Honolulu have a handy online map of all 38 potential refuge area locations, which you can view here.