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Disaster Planning for Your Pet

Plan ahead and keep your pet safe during a disaster.

We can never know when a disaster may happen. Proper planning is the first step in handling an emergency situation and keeping your pets safe during a disaster is no exception. If you live in a disaster prone area, it’s especially important to have a plan ready and a place to house your pets once a crisis hits.

Keep In Mind

Here’s a list of things you should keep in mind when putting together your family’s pet disaster plan:

  • Remember, unless your pet is a certified service animal, like a dog for the visually impaired, you will NOT be able to take your pet to a Red Cross Shelter. Prepare a list of vet clinics and boarding kennels that may be able to take your pet(s) in case of a disaster.
  • Some hotels and motels have “pet friendly” policies. Check the list below and keep it with you in your emergency kit. If you get advance warning of a disaster, make reservations immediately.
  • Friends and family outside the affected disaster area might also be a good resource for safe pet boarding in an emergency.
  • If you’ve been placed under a disaster warning, don’t waste precious time looking for your pets. Make sure your animals are inside and wearing collars with current ID tags are good as well. 
  • Prepare a pet emergency supply kit and make sure each family member knows where it is.
    • A supply of pet food and treats
    • Drinkable water in plastic bottles
    • Can opener (for canned food)
    • Pet medications & medical records. Store them in a waterproof container.
    • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers
    • Pet beds and toys (if you have room)
    • Current photos of your pet in case they get lost
    • The name and contact information for your veterinarian

If You DO Evacuate

TAKE YOUR PET(S) WITH YOU! Even if you find a safe place for them, it’s unlikely your companion animals will be able to survive on their own.

  • Make sure you’re in control of your animals with a suitable pet carrier, leash or harness.
  • If you’ve been placed under a disaster warning, don’t waste precious time looking for your pets. Make sure your animals are inside and wearing sturdy collars with curred ID tags.

If You DON'T Evacuate

  • Make sure you bring your pets inside immediately. Identify a safe area of your home where you can stay with your pets and family.
  • Make sure your animals are in your control, wearing sturdy collars with current ID tags.
  • Have all your pet supplies on hand in your secured area.

Once A Disaster Hits

TAKE YOUR PET(S) WITH YOU! Even if you find a safe place for them, it’s unlikely your companion animals will be able to survive on their own.

  • Make sure your pets are out of harm’s way and brought inside immediately.
  • Have lots of newspaper and/or litter available for sanitary purposes.
  • Have a pet first aid kit on hand in case of injuries.
  • Separate dogs and cats during a disaster, even if your pets are normally the best of friends, the anxiety of a crisis can sometimes make animals behave in an unpredictable manner.

After The Disaster

It’s important to realize your pets may still be traumatized.

  • Be patient and help your pet get back into normal routines.
  • In the first days after an emergency, make sure you have your pets under your control when they go outside. The stress may make them unpredictable.
  • Your veterinarian can help you with any behavioral or health issues that come up in the days following the disaster.

Pet Friendly Hotels & Motels

**The City of San Antonio does not make representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information products, or services of the listed agencies and websites. Use of these sites is at your own risk as the City has not investigated them nor validated their security. This list is intended to provide general information and does not imply or indicate a recommendation or endorsement on the part of the City.

San Antonio Area

Place Adress Phone Place Adress Phone
Alamo Lodge 1126 E. Elmira 210.222.9820 Hampton Inn Six Flags 11010 IH 10 West 210.561.9058
Alamo Travelodge 405 Broadway 210.222.1000 Homegate Studios 11221 San Pedro 210.342.4800
American Heritage Inn 3180 Goliad 210.337.7171 Homestead 1015 Central Parkway 210.491.1009
Best Western Garden 11939 IH 35 N 210.599.0999 La Mansion Del Rio 112 College 210.518.1000
Casa Linda Inn 8818 Jones Maltsberger 210.366.1800 Sheraton Gunter 205 E. Houston 210.354.1730
EconoLodge Airport 2635 NE Loop 410 210.247.4774 Westin Riverwalk 420 E. Market 210.224.6500
Emily Morgan Hotel 705 E Houston 210.225.8486 Woodfield Hotel 900 Dolorosa 210.212.5400
Fairmount Hotel 401 S. Alamo 210.224.8800

Hotel & Motel Chains

Place Phone Place Phone
Amerisuites 1.800.833.1516 Howard Johnson Inns 1.800.446.4656
Best Value Inn 1.888.315.BEST La Quinta Inns 1.800.642.4271
Candlewood Suites 1.800.960.7023 Marriott Hotels 1.888.236.2427
Clarion Hotels 1.877.424.6423 Quality Inns 1.877.424.6423
Comfort Inns 1.877.424.6423 Red Roof Inns 1.866.686.4355
Crowne Plaza Hotels 1.800.980.6429 Residence Inn 1.888.236.2427
Days Inns 1.800.329.7466 Super 8 Motel 1.800.800.8000
Drury Inn Hotels 1.800.325.0720 Staybridge Suites 1.800.238.8000
Holiday Inn Hotels 1.800.465.4329