IEMA: Build a pet emergency kit for Pet Preparedness Month

(Credit: Jocelina Joiner/Nexstar)

by: Danny Connolly

Posted: Jun 6, 2023 / 01:37 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 6, 2023 / 01:37 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Officials are asking families who have pets to include their furry loved ones in their emergency plans in case of a disaster.

June is Pet Preparedness Month, and officials with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging pet-owning families to build or restock their pet preparedness kits.

"During Pet Preparedness Month, I challenge families to gather pet preparedness items," Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau said. "Preparing now will greatly benefit your pets especially during a flood, tornado, or other severe weather."

Official recommend the following items to be in a pet preparedness kit:

Most emergency shelters will only accept service animals due to safety concerns, so families should keep in mind out of town friends and relatives, veterinary offices, boarding facilities and pet friendly hotels to stay at. Officials also urge owners to keep their pets wearing identification at all times.

More information about pet emergency preparedness and safety can be found on the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's website.