Ryan Van Velzer

The Republic | azcentral.com

Your phone buzzes with an alert: There's a flash flood heading your way and the neighborhood is evacuating.

You grab your children, your emergency-preparedness kit and your son's inhaler on your way out the door. You can't get through to your partner, but it's all right because you have a communication plan and both of you know where to meet.

As you turn the key in the car's ignition, you realize, the family pet is still inside.

Approximately 10,000 animals were evacuated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, said Dr. Dick Green, senior director of disaster response for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Unfortunately, only 25 to 45 percent of those pets were reunited with their families.

What do you do with your pets when disaster strikes? The answer is simple.

"Take some time to develop your family plan and make sure your animals are included," Green said.

The easiest three things pet owners can do to protect their animals is microchip them, include them in the national registry and download the free ASPCA app, he said.

Got that? OK, here's a few more tips to help your best buds in case of an emergency, because let's face it, the last thing you want to be doing is running around your house herding your cats into carrying crates.

Rescue-alert stickers

The ASPCA offers free stickers that let emergency workers know how many pets are inside your home. You can include information about the types of pets as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.

Emergency supplies

People aren't the only ones who need a bug-out bag. Animal emergency supplies should include a pet first-aid kit, food, water, disposable garbage bags, feeding dishes, extra collars and leashes, photocopies of medical records, a two-week supply of medicine and recent photos of your animals (in case you're separated).

Designate a caregiver

Find that neighbor you really trust because you'll want to give them an extra set of keys so they can get inside and help your pet in the event that you cannot. Preferably, this should be someone who would be home while you're at work.

Take special considerations

Birds, reptiles and small animals each have their own peculiarities. Besides the enclosures, they'll need feeders, fresh food, bedding materials, etc.