Emergency Safety Tips
Returning home with pets after an emergency
Coming home is not the end of the emergency for a pet. The property may have changed, and so may your pet's behavior. Slow, controlled re-entry prevents injuries and escapes.
Before you let pets loose
- Keep pets leashed, harnessed, or securely contained until the property has been checked.
- Inspect fences, gates, doors, windows, and any damaged enclosures.
Hazards to look for
- Broken glass and sharp debris
- Exposed wiring
- Contaminated water, chemicals, fuel, or pesticides
- Spoiled or damaged food
- Displaced wildlife that may have moved in
Expect changed behavior
- Familiar smells and landmarks may be gone, so pets can become disoriented or try to escape.
- Temporary fear, hiding, clinginess, defensive behavior, appetite changes, or house-soiling are common after a stressful event.
- Reintroduce rooms and outdoor areas gradually rather than all at once.
When to contact a veterinarian
- Behavior or physical symptoms that are severe, persistent, or worsening
- Any injury, limping, wound, or suspected exposure to a hazardous substance
Stay out until it is safe
- Continue following official instructions if the area has not been declared safe to return to.
This is general preparedness guidance only. It is not veterinary diagnosis or treatment advice.
Official resources
Explore these official resources for additional tools and guidance, including Red Cross pet recovery information, FEMA guidance on returning home safely, and ASPCA pet emergency-care guidance.
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