Pets

Prepare your pets for emergencies. They depend on you.

Do not leave them behind

During Storm Kristin, many people were forced to evacuate and leave their animals behind. With preparation, you can make sure your pets stay safe. A plan for your pets is an essential part of any family emergency plan.

Emergency kit for pets

Food and water

  • Dry food for 1-2 weeks (in an airtight container)
  • Drinking water: 1 L/day per medium dog, 0.3 L/day per cat
  • Collapsible bowls for food and water
  • Wet food/tinned food as backup
  • Treats (for comfort and training)
  • Check expiry dates: dry food lasts 12-18 months unopened, but only 4-6 weeks once opened. Rotate your stock every 6 months.

Health and medication

  • Chronic medication for 2-4 weeks
  • Copy of vaccination records
  • Anti-parasitic treatments (fleas, ticks)
  • Pet first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic)
  • Vet's contact details written down

Transport

  • Hard-sided carrier (for cats and small dogs)
  • Spare lead and collar with ID tag
  • Car safety harness
  • Waste bags (generous supply)
  • Towel or blanket with a familiar scent (reduces stress)

Documentation

  • Recent photos of your pet (for identification)
  • Microchip: mandatory in Portugal for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Confirm your details are up to date in the SIAC registry (the Portuguese national pet identification database), including your current address and phone number
  • Up-to-date vaccination records (rabies vaccine is mandatory)
  • Vet's contact details
  • Proof of ownership / CRC registration
  • Copy of all documents in a waterproof folder in your emergency bag

Transport and shelters

Places that accept pets in an emergency

  • Not all emergency shelters accept animals. Check BEFORE an emergency
  • Contact your local ANEPC (Civil Protection Authority) to find out which shelters are pet-friendly
  • Keep a list of hotels and guesthouses that accept pets outside the risk zone
  • Arrange with family or friends outside the affected area
  • Contact local animal protection associations for support

During evacuation

  • NEVER leave your pet tied up or locked in
  • Cats must ALWAYS go in a carrier (they run away in panic)
  • Dogs must have a lead and a collar with ID
  • Bring a towel or blanket with a familiar scent (reduces anxiety)
  • If you have birds or reptiles, cover the cage with a cloth (it calms them)
  • Fish: a plastic bag with aquarium water and a portable air pump

Before the emergency

Microchip and identification

Confirm that the microchip is registered and up to date in SIAC. Collar with an ID tag (pet's name, your phone number). Recent photo of the pet on your phone and printed in your emergency bag.

Carrier training

Get your pet used to the carrier BEFORE an emergency. Leave it open at home with a familiar blanket inside. Practise short car trips. Under stress, a pet that knows its carrier will go in on its own.

During the emergency

Rules during an emergency

  • NEVER leave your pet behind, even if you think you will be back soon
  • Keep dogs on a lead at all times with an ID collar
  • Cats and small animals must ALWAYS travel in a carrier
  • Speak calmly and maintain physical contact to reassure your pet
  • If the animal panics, do not force it. Cover its head with a cloth to calm it down

After the emergency

Pet recovery

  • Altered behaviour is normal: fear of noises, aggression, loss of appetite, urinating indoors
  • Re-establish routines as quickly as possible (meal times, walks)
  • Supervise your pet closely for the first few days. Do not let it outdoors unsupervised
  • Consult your vet if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks

By type of animal

Dogs

Strong lead, muzzle if required on public transport. Anxious dogs may benefit from an anti-anxiety vest (Thundershirt). Maintain a walking routine even while in a shelter.

Cats

Carrier with a cloth over it (darkness calms). Portable litter tray and litter for 1 week. Feliway pheromone spray in the carrier. Never leave doors open in an unfamiliar place.

Birds

Cover the cage with a light cloth to reduce stress. Avoid draughts and smoke. Bring enough food and water. If the cage is large, consider a smaller transport cage.

Fish and reptiles

Fish: battery-powered air pump or portable oxygenator, bag with aquarium water. Reptiles: battery-powered heat pad to maintain temperature. Transport terrarium with familiar substrate.

Housing plan

Housing options

  • Arrange in advance with neighbours or family outside the risk zone
  • Research pet-friendly hotels and guesthouses in the region
  • Contact municipal kennels and catteries for emergency options
  • Animal protection associations can help during disasters
  • Always have 2 housing options identified

Pet preparation checklist

Useful contacts

  • ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests): 808 200 520
  • SOS Animal line: 213 904 590
  • GNR SEPNA (Nature and Environment Protection Service, for abuse/abandonment): 808 200 520
  • Emergency vet: call 112 for referral