How to Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Pets

As a pet parent with one dog and four cats at home, the first thing I think about when disaster looms is always how to evacuate alongside my fur babies — how to get them out the door quickly in a crisis, what to pack in their emergency kit, and so on — so that when the moment comes, I can respond calmly and keep them as safe as possible.

In this article, I'll share my tips for putting together pet emergency supplies. I hope it helps everyone out there who, like me, treats their fur babies as family.

1. Small Bags of Dry Food, Cans, and Water

In an emergency, pet food can be hard to come by, so having at least three days' worth of food and water on hand is essential.

Whenever you do your regular pet-food shopping, just pick up an extra portion to set aside as a stockpile. Try to prepare food they're already used to eating — that way they're less likely to get an upset stomach or lose their appetite from the stress.

2. First Aid Supplies

Include items like styptic powder, povidone-iodine, gauze, and breathable medical tape.

If your pet has special medical needs and is on ongoing medication, make sure you have at least three days' worthstocked up, so you can keep their condition stable.

3. Pet ID Documents and Owner's Contact Info

Place copies of your pet's microchip records, medical history, and other important documents inside a sealed bag.

You can also attach your contact information to their collar and prepare several photos of your pet. If they get spooked and run off — and you need to conserve phone battery — those photos and the collar contact info will significantly improve the chances of getting them back.

4. Comfort Items: Treats and Familiar Objects

During a disaster, pets feel stress and anxiety just like we do.

Bring along a familiar toy or blanket, their favorite snacks, or any calming supplements they use — these small comforts can help them feel a little more grounded and safe.

5. Leash, Carrier, and a Large Towel

Dogs absolutely need a harness and leash — otherwise, they can bolt in panic and slip out of your grip.

Cats should be placed in a carrier with enough room to move around, covered with a large towel — darkness helps lower a cat's anxiety. That said, don't go too big with the carrier; oversized ones are hard to carry when you need to move fast.

6. Poop Bags, Pee Pads, Cat Litter, and a Foldable Litter Box

In a disaster, dogs may not have a convenient outdoor spot to relieve themselves. The texture of a pee pad is different from a regular floor, which makes it easier for dogs to use; poop bags let you clean up on the go.

Cats easily hold in their pee when they're stressed. Pack the cat litter they normally use, along with a foldable, portable litter box — this helps your cat settle in faster and drop their guard enough to relieve themselves normally.

7. List of Veterinary Clinics

In an emergency, mobile networks and the internet may go down. Save key contacts — vet clinics, animal rescue organizations — on your phone in advance, or print them out and tuck the list into your emergency kit.

8. Attach the Guide Dog License to the Collar

If you have a guide dog, we recommend attaching the guide dog license and ID information directly to the collar. That way others can quickly recognize the dog and offer the appropriate help when needed.

Protecting your pet's life and safety is every pet parent's responsibility. If we panic during a disaster, they pick up on it and grow anxious too — some will even hide out of fear, which makes evacuating with them that much harder.

Solid everyday preparation is what gives your pets the best chance of being properly cared for when disaster comes. After you've packed your pet's emergency kit, take a moment to remind friends and family who also have pets to do the same.

We'll cover emergency kit guides for other types of pets — rabbits, birds, hamsters, and more — in future articles. Be sure to check back!