Decontamination – Pets

• If you are instructed to stay inside during a radiation emergency, pets should be inside too.
• If your pet was outside, bring your pet inside.
  • Wash your pet carefully with shampoo or soap and water and rinse completely.
  • Wear waterproof gloves and a dust mask (or other material to cover your mouth) if you can.
  • Keep cuts and abrasions (both yours and your pets) covered when washing your pet to keep radioactive material out of the wound.
  • Wash your hands and face after washing your pet.
• Pet food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes) will be safe for animals to eat. Wipe off pet food containers with a damp cloth or clean towel before opening them. Wipe off pet bowls, dishes, and mats too. Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.
• For pet sanitation, put newspapers or other absorbent material in your pet’s area so your pet can relieve itself indoors.
  • Do not touch soiled material with your bare hands.
  • Place soiled material into a plastic bag or other sealable container.
  • Place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.

More information on sheltering-in-place, visit

• emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/shelter
• ready.gov/shelterexternal icon

More information on sheltering-in-place, visit

• Stay Tuned to Learn How to Evacuate With Pets