Pet Owner Resources

Emergency Shelters and Preparedness

Planning ahead for an emergency is your best defense. Take advantage of information provided by local organizations, create a written plan and review it often. Sign up for your county’s emergency notification system (i.e., LookoutAlerts for Jefferson County) and register your pets.

  • Creating Your Emergency Plan: Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provide detailed guides to help you plan for emergencies, including large animal evacuation. Visit Jeffco Emergency Preparedness or Animal Evacuations for more information.
  • “Save Our Pets” Signage: “Save My Pet” stickers can be purchased from most pet food stores, Amazon, and various online retailers. The ASPCA offers a free Pet Safety Pack, including window stickers. In a pinch, a 3×5 index card with black print can be taped to the window at your main home entrance. List the number of animals and species only.
  • Go-Bags: Complete a “Save Our Pets” form for each pet to keep in your go-bag. Place the forms in a waterproof bag and keep a second copy to hand off to shelter staff for emergency sheltering.
  • Neighborhood Groups: Consider forming a small group with neighbors to share phone numbers for friends or family who could help in an emergency if you are away.
  • Help Before an Emergency: Volunteer for or financially support the organizations of your choice. Most emergency rescue workers appreciate offers to help, but if you are not trained, they cannot accept assistance during an active disaster.

In Case of Evacuation

Should you be asked to evacuate during an emergency, many organizations are positioned to aid you, your family, and your animals. These are typically activated by your county’s Sheriff’s Office.

If you need help evacuating your animals, call your County Animal Control office directly to request assistance:

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provides a map of where to take large animals. Many local motels allow pets; we recommend planning ahead for where you might stay in an emergency and verifying their specific policies before an emergency occurs.

Jeffco Animal Evacuation Map

Click image to enlarge

Several organizations work with Animal Control to assist officers in evacuations under JCART (Jefferson County Animal Response Team). If you would like more information about donating or volunteering, visit the Jeffco Animal Evacuations page.

IMPORTANT: Do not contact these volunteer organizations directly to request an evacuation; always go through Animal Control.

National & State Resources

The following organizations also provide information and resources for disaster preparedness for families, pets, and livestock:

Grief Support

Losing a pet is a difficult experience, and it is important to find a way to honor that grief. There are many online resources that provide a safe and compassionate space to cope with the loss of a pet.

  • PetLoss.com: A compassionate website for grieving pet lovers, offering personal support, advice, a Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony, Tribute Pages, and healing poetry like “Rainbow Bridge.”

Pet-Friendly Housing

Finding a place to live that welcomes your pet can be a challenge. While EAPL cannot maintain a comprehensive list, the following websites are useful resources: