National Preparedness Month: Emergency Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. When disasters strike, having a well-prepared emergency kit and a solid evacuation plan can make all the difference for both you and your pets. Every pet parent should be ready and have all necessities ready when it’s “go time.” 

With supplies on hand, microchips and ID tags up to date, and a safe place to evacuate to, you and your pets can stay safe no matter what comes your way. Here’s how to make sure you’re prepared for an emergency.

TL;DR: Put together a pet first-aid kit that includes at least seven days of food and water, medications, first aid items, documentation, carriers/leashes, and comfort items. Keep your pet’s kit stored in a waterproof container that’s easy to grab.

Why you need an emergency kit for your pet

Emergencies strike with little to no warning. Hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, power outages, and even localized events such as gas leaks or chemical spills can force families to evacuate quickly. After Hurricane Katrina, an estimated 100,000 pets were left stranded or lost, many because families didn’t have supplies or transportation ready. 

The best way to protect your pets in an emergency is to prepare right now. A pet emergency kit for dogs or cats ensures your animals have food, water, and comfort items — even if stores are closed or supply chains are cut off. It also means you won’t waste precious minutes searching for leashes, carriers, or medication.

Think of it as peace of mind: As you focus on your family’s safety, you won’t be scrambling to figure out your pet’s needs. An emergency evacuation kit and a simple pet first-aid kit could make a difference between comfort and suffering in a stressful situation.

Alvaro Lavin / Stocksy/

Make a plan for your pets

A kit is essential, but a disaster plan will make sure everything runs smoothly. Emergencies often create confusion, and when panic sets in, it’s easy to forget critical details. A clear plan ensures you and anyone helping your pet knows exactly what to do.

Keep IDs and requirements up-to-date

Always make sure your pets are wearing collars with updated tags. Microchipping is the gold standard for permanent identification — just don’t forget to keep the registration current. For cats, safe cat collars are a must.

Create a profile sheet with your pet’s routine, food preferences, medications, quirks, and vet contact. If your dog has separation anxiety or your cat is nervous around strangers, note this clearly.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date

Up-to-date vaccines protect your pet’s health and may be required at shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities. Keep a copy of the records in your kit, especially rabies certificates. For new pet parents, our guides to what to know before getting a cat and the new puppy checklist can ensure your pet gets the right vaccines.

Find a pet-safe evacuation location

Not all shelters accept pets. Research pet-friendly hotels or emergency boarding facilities ahead of time. Keep a list of addresses and phone numbers in your kit. Contact your local humane society or animal control office. Both often maintain lists of emergency shelters that accept pets. Keep addresses, phone numbers, and websites in your emergency kit or on your phone. 

Provide a trusted person with a key

Ask (then designate) a friend or neighbor to reach your pet if you’re not home. Leave them a key and written instructions. If you’ve recently introduced a new kitten or puppy to your home, this planning becomes even more important.

Timur Weber/Pexels/

Pet emergency-kit checklist

From food and water to medical records and comfort items, there are certain basics every kit should include. To make the process easier, here’s a handy checklist to ensure you don’t overlook anything important. Store these supplies in a waterproof container or sturdy backpack, and remember to rotate perishable items every six months, so they stay fresh.

Below are tips on how to build a complete pet first aid kit. For multi-pet households, prepare a separate kit for each animal.

Food and water

• Seven days’ supply of food sealed in airtight bags

• Bottled water (at least one gallon per pet, per day)

• Prepare dog food for long-term storage

Pet first-aid materials

• Basic wound care: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and adhesive bandage tape

• Tools: tweezers, digital thermometer

• Pet-specific needs: A week’s supply of prescriptions in labeled containers

Identification

• Current photos of your pet (printed and digital)

• A written description of their distinguishing features

• Feeding schedule, medication instructions, and behavior notes

Comfort items

• A favorite toy, blanket, and/or bed to ease stress

Collar and leash

• Sturdy collar with ID tags

• Leash, harness, or muzzle if needed

Related article

What Should I Include in My Pet’s First Aid Kit?

Here’s how to be prepared in the event that your dog or cat has an emergency or suffers an injury.

Cat supplies

• Portable litter box, litter, a scoop, and bags

Dog supplies

• Waste bags, extra leash, treats

Small-pet supplies

• For small pets like rabbits, birds, or reptiles, include bedding, cages, heat lamps, or species-specific items

Medical records and supplies

• Vaccination history

• Microchip number

• Vet contact information

• Copies of prescriptions in case you need refills

Waiting out a storm or disaster at home

Sometimes it’s safer to stay put than to evacuate. When situations like this arise, keep pets indoors, close your doors and windows, and tune into local news alerts. Stock up on extra dog or cat food, water, and medications now, so you’re prepared for a shelter-in-place scenario. Here’s how to keep pets safe in common disaster situations.

• Wildfires: Smoke inhalation is dangerous. Seal windows and vents, and keep carriers nearby in case evacuation orders change quickly. Some animals in shelters may need trazodone or other calming medications. Ask your vet if your anxious pet might benefit from a similar plan.

• Heavy snow or rainstorms: Have extra blankets or sweaters for small breeds and senior pets. Heating pads and insulated bedding help, too.

• Tornado warnings: Move pets into a basement or windowless interior room. Keep them leashed or in carriers so they don’t panic.

• Extended power outages: Consider backup heat or cooling sources for sensitive pets. Stock extra, emergency pet-food supplies if refrigeration isn’t an option. 

Commonly asked questions

How to prepare for an emergency with pets?

Start with updated ID and microchips, assemble a pet emergency kit, and create a shelter or evacuation plan. Walk through your plan at least once a year so every family member knows their role.

What should be in a pet emergency kit?

Food, water, medications, first aid items, carriers, litter for cats, waste bags for dogs, comfort items, photos, and records. Include a copy of your pet’s adoption papers to prove pet parenthood if you’re separated.

How often should I update my kit?

Check every six months. Replace expired food, water, and medications. If your pet’s weight or needs change, adjust accordingly.

Do shelters accept pets?

Some shelters do allow pets, but many allow only service animals. Research ahead and keep a list of pet-friendly hotels. Also, check with local rescues or organizations that look out for displaced pets during crises. They often set up temporary shelters.

What if I can’t afford supplies?

Organizations sometimes provide free resources. Begin by checking Adopt a Pet’s guide to financial assistance for vet bills. You can also start small by putting aside a few extra cans of pet food each shopping trip.

What about displaced pets?

Sadly, many animals become separated in disasters. Microchips, ID tags, and photos make reunions easier. Learn what to do if you encounter or lose a pet during an emergency with our guide to displaced pets.

How can I keep my pet calm during emergencies?

Practice crate training so carriers feel safe and not scary to them. Use familiar toys, blankets, or treats to comfort them. In some cases, your vet may recommend supplements or medications to reduce stress.

What about multi-pet households?

Have a carrier and kit for each pet. Label supplies clearly to avoid confusion. Pets may need to be separated temporarily if they become stressed.

References

American Red Cross. Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery. American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html.

American Veterinary Medical Association. Pets and Disasters. AVMA, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergency-care/pets-and-disasters.

ASPCA. Disaster Preparedness. ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prepare Your Pets for Disasters. Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/pets.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense. Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/preparedness_for_pets_sep_2015.pdf.

Humane World. Pet Emergency Plan and Disaster Preparedness. Humane World, www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness.

United States Department of Homeland Security. Pet Preparedness Toolkit. Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/pet-toolkit.