Disaster Plan for Pets graphic encouraging families to download, print, and display a hurricane and emergency preparedness checklist from Brevard Humane Society

Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What Every Brevard County Pet Owner Needs to Know

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Brevard County, FL — May 8, 2026

 

Every year, families across Brevard County prepare for hurricane season by stocking up on supplies, reviewing evacuation routes, and securing their homes. But one critical part of disaster planning is often overlooked—our pets.

That’s why National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, observed each year on May 8, is such an important reminder. Created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this national observance encourages pet owners to include animals in their emergency plans before disaster strikes.

At Brevard Humane Society, we see firsthand how preparation—or lack of it—can make the difference between safety and heartbreak during emergencies. Whether you share your life with a dog, cat, or another companion animal, here’s what every Brevard County pet owner should know.

Dog resting with family at home, representing pet safety and preparedness during emergencies

Why Disaster Preparedness for Pets Matters

Natural disasters affect animals just as deeply as people. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, an estimated 600,000 animals were killed or displaced, largely because they were left behind or families had no plan for them. That tragedy led to major national changes, including laws requiring pets to be considered in emergency planning.
Florida residents know that emergencies don’t always come with much warning. Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and extreme heat events are all part of life on the Space Coast. When disaster strikes, pets rely completely on their humans for safety.
Being prepared:
  • Protects your pet from injury, illness, or separation
  • Reduces stress for your family during evacuation
  • Helps shelters and emergency responders focus resources where they’re needed most
Preparedness isn’t just practical—it’s an act of compassion.

Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make During Emergencies

Pet carrier and emergency supplies packed in a vehicle for evacuation planning

Even loving, responsible pet owners can be caught off guard. Some of the most common issues we see include:
  • No pet evacuation plan
  • Not knowing where pets can go if evacuation is required.
  • Lack of identification
  • Pets without microchips or updated ID tags are much harder to reunite with families.
  • No emergency supplies for pets
  • Food, medications, and veterinary records are often forgotten in last‑minute evacuations.
  • Assuming shelters or hotels will accept pets
  • Many facilities require proof of vaccination and proper carriers.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is about fixing these gaps before an emergency happens.

How to Prepare Your Pets for a Disaster

At Brevard Humane Society, we encourage families to think about preparedness using our “Be Pup‑pared” approach—four simple steps that help ensure pets are protected before, during, and after an emergency. You can explore each step in detail on our Animal Emergency Planning page.

1. Make a Pet‑Inclusive Emergency Plan

Florida emergency officials strongly encourage residents to “Make a Pet Plan” as part of overall disaster preparedness.
Your plan should include:
  • Pet‑friendly evacuation locations (family, friends, hotels, shelters)
  • A designated emergency caregiver if you’re not home
  • Transportation plans that include carriers or crates
  • Practice runs so pets are familiar with carriers and travel

If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. Never leave animals behind.

2. Build a Pet Emergency Kit (“Evac‑Pack”)

Every pet should have a grab‑and‑go emergency kit, or “Evac‑Pack,” ready at all times. Experts recommend supplies for at least 3–7 days, and longer if possible.
Your kit should include:
  • Food and bottled water
  • Medications and medical instructions
  • Copies of vaccination and veterinary records
  • Leash, harness, and a sturdy carrier
  • Litter and waste supplies
  • Comfort items like toys or blankets
  • Recent photos of you with your pet (for identification)


Keep this kit near an exit so it’s easy to grab during an evacuation.

📄 Disaster Plan for Pets
Our printable checklist helps families and businesses prepare pets before emergencies happen. 👉 Download the Disaster Plan for Pets (PDF)


Families with rabbits, birds, or other small pets should also plan ahead, as these animals have unique needs during evacuations and extreme weather.

👉Read more Evac‑Pack tips on our Animal Emergency Planning page.

Pet emergency kit with food, water, leash, medical supplies, and carrier

3. Identification Saves Lives

One of the simplest—and most important—steps you can take is proper identification.
  • Ensure your pet wears a collar with current ID tags
  • Microchipping greatly increases the chances of reunification if pets become separated
  • Keep your contact information updated in microchip databases

In addition, posting a Rescue Alert Sticker on or near your front door lets emergency responders know how many pets are inside your home and who to contact—an often‑overlooked but critical step in disaster preparedness.

At Brevard Humane Society, we regularly help reunite lost pets with families thanks to microchips.

4. Know What Shelters and Hotels Require

Pet‑friendly shelters and boarding facilities typically require:
  • Proof of current vaccinations
  • Carriers or crates
  • Proper identification
Planning ahead helps avoid difficult decisions during already stressful moments. Our Animal Emergency Planning page includes local resources to help you prepare.

How Brevard Humane Society Helps During Disasters

When emergencies happen, local animal shelters often see an increase in displaced pets and families seeking help. Preparation by pet owners helps reduce overcrowding and allows shelters like Brevard Humane Society to focus on animals most in need.
Community preparedness:
  • Reduces strain on emergency shelters
  • Keeps pets with their families whenever possible
  • Improves overall disaster response outcomes

Preparedness truly saves lives—both animal and human.

Take Action This National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. Taking a few simple steps today can protect your pet for years to come.

Here’s how you can help:

By planning ahead, you’re giving your pet the best possible chance to stay safe—no matter what comes our way.
Because when disaster strikes, preparedness is love in action.

Take the Next Step
Download, print, and display our Disaster Plan for Pets to protect animals before an emergency strikes.
👉 Download the Disaster Plan for Pets (PDF)

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