The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is urging families to include pets in their emergency plans during Emergency Preparedness Week.
The awareness campaign highlights the need to prepare for situations such as severe storms, power outages, and evacuations. Officials say having a plan in place can help ensure animals are not left behind during a crisis.
The organization encourages households to build a 72-hour emergency kit for their pets and identify safe places to go if they must leave home quickly. Free resources, including an emergency preparedness workbook, are available online to help guide planning.
To support the effort, local animal centres are offering free emergency door decals, key tags, and wallet cards while supplies last. These items help alert first responders and others that pets may need care.
The Ontario SPCA says simple steps taken ahead of time can make emergencies safer and less stressful for both people and their animals.
