When disaster strikes, your pet depends on you to keep them safe. Planning ahead is the best way to protect your furry family members in the event of an evacuation or emergency. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so it’s critical to have a plan in place - and a well-stocked pet emergency kit ready to go. Here are a few tips from Wellthy’s Care Team and our resident expert on natural disaster response, Stefany Pettinger:
Prepare Before Disaster Strikes
- Make an evacuation plan: Identify pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, or hotels outside of your immediate area.
- Microchip your pet: Collars and tags can be lost or removed. A microchip provides permanent identification and dramatically increases your chances of being reunited if you’re separated. Be sure your contact information is always up to date.
- Have a backup contact: Include details for an emergency contact outside of your area in case you are unreachable.
The CDC’s website and FEMA’s Prepare Your Pets for Disasters brochure (PDF) offer additional guidance on planning ahead.
What to Pack in Your Pet Emergency Kit
A pet disaster preparedness kit should be packed in advance and kept in an easy-to-carry container. Here are the essentials:
- Food and water: A 14-day supply for each pet, plus bowls and a manual can opener if packing canned food.
- Medications and medical records: Two weeks’ worth of medications and vaccination records in a waterproof container. Consider saving a digital copy on a flash drive or secure cloud storage.
- Identification: Collar with ID tags and, ideally, a microchip.
- First aid kit: Include pet-specific supplies.
- Litter supplies: Litter box, extra litter, and a scoop for cats.
- Leashes, harnesses, and carriers: For safe transport and control.
- Photos and descriptions: Current pictures of you with your pets to help prove ownership if separated.
- Comfort items: A favorite toy, blanket, or bed to help reduce stress.
- Care instructions: Written notes on feeding schedules, medications, behavioral concerns, and your veterinarian’s contact information. These can also be stored digitally.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a detailed, printable checklist in their guide, Save the Whole Family (PDF).
Safety Tips During Emergencies
- If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet. Don’t leave them behind.
- Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers at all times.
- Designate a “safe room” in your home: stock it with emergency supplies, your pet’s crate, food, water, and medications.
- Secure any openings like fireplaces, vents, or pet doors with plastic sheeting and strong tape to prevent escape.
Final Thoughts
Natural disasters and evacuations are stressful, but with preparation, you can protect your pets and keep them calm through the chaos. By planning ahead, microchipping, and keeping a pet emergency kit ready, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your loved ones - both two- and four-legged - are safe.
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