Local animal advocates suggest that you have a plan in place for your pets before an emergency strikes. In Oregon, the most likely emergency threats are wildfires, winter ice/snow storms, flooding, earthquakes or even volcanic eruptions. There are a number of online resources with excellent detailed instructions for pet-related emergency preparedness. Below is a brief outline of tips with links to additional information.

• Prepare a 72-hour shelter-in-place pet emergency supply kit.

  If you and your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, be prepared with adequate supplies (i.e. food, litter, water, medication).

• If you must evacuate, take your pets with you. Occasionally, what is expected to be a brief evacuation can turn into days or weeks.

• Plan ahead for a safe place to take your pets.

  Many evacuation shelters do not allow pets. Have a list of pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area. You can find pet-friendly lodging by visiting petswelcome.com. It's also a good idea to keep a list of boarding kennels and vets that can shelter your animals and speak with local friends and relatives about the possibility of sheltering you and/or your pets in the event of an emergency.

• Prepare an emergency evacuation kit.

  The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association has an excellent web page outlining what you'll need in your kit, as well as other pet-related emergency preparedness information.

• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing up-to-date ID tags, license tags, and microchips. Have photos on hand of all pets.

• In case you are not home:

  An evacuation order may strike when you are not at home. Make arrangements in advance with a trusted neighbor and/or friend to take your pets and meet you at a predetermined location.

• Some additional resources for pet emergency preparedness:

  Oregon Humane Society- Disaster Preparedness Info
  Ready America: Pet-related Information, Video, Brochure and Toolkit