In the event of a disaster, animal and pet evacuation in Maryland will be coordinated by county and local emergency management agencies. Please check with your local emergency management agency for information on pet friendly evacuation shelters in your county. Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.). It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Keep a list of pet friendly hotels in your area in case you have to evacuate and your local shelter is full.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency – Pets and Livestock
During a disaster pets are not allowed in emergency shelters for public health and safety reasons. Planning ahead can save your pet’s life and make yours easier.
Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) – Animal Emergency Preparedness
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the state agency responsible for animals in emergencies in Maryland. As the lead for the Maryland Emergency Support Function #16- Agriculture and Animal Welfare, MDA coordinates animal information and resources during disasters. Animal emergencies that MDA responds to include: animal disease outbreaks; emergency animal evacuation; emergency animal sheltering; and animal loss from natural or man-made disasters.
Baltimore County – Emergency Preparedness for Pets
During a large-scale disaster, Baltimore County does not have the resources to care for thousands of animals. During certain small-scale emergencies, Baltimore County emergency managers may open a “pet-friendly” shelter for leashed or crated dogs, cats and other pets (excluding exotic pets) weighing less than 80 pounds. Animals housed at county-run shelters are not allowed to intermingle with human evacuees in order to protect citizens with pet allergies or a fear of animals. They will be housed elsewhere on site, and pet owners will be able to visit and care for them.
Caroline County – Emergency Preparedness
Shelters do not accept pets, so it is imperative you determine where you will take your pets ahead of time.
Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management
Talbot County – Pets Plan
In the event the Social Services Shelter at Easton High School is opened, the Talbot Animal Disaster Services shelter will also open to house pets for those residing in the shelter. Please be advised this shelter IS NOT a drop off for your pets- it is only for those residents living in the shelter. This shelter should also be used as a means of last resort- it will be stressful for you and your pets.
