Pet Emergency & Evacuation Preparedness

Helping You Keep Your Pets Safe in Any Emergency

Emergencies and natural disasters can happen without warning—from fires and floods to severe storms and power outages. Having a plan in place before an emergency occurs can save your pet’s life and reduce stress for your entire family. This guide will help you prepare an emergency plan, build a pet disaster kit, and evacuate safely with all types of pets.

1. Make an Emergency Plan

Your pets should be part of your family’s emergency plan.

• Never leave pets behind. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.

• Identify pet-friendly shelters or accommodations ahead of time. Ask local shelters, hotels, or trusted friends and family if they can help in an emergency.

• Keep identification updated:

  • Ensure pets wear collars with current ID tags

  • Microchip pets and keep registration information up to date

  • Keep recent photos of you with your pets to help prove ownership if separated

• Know your evacuation routes and practice quickly loading pets into carriers, crates, or on leashes

  
  

Planning ahead makes evacuations faster and safer when time is critical.

2. Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Store your pet disaster kit in a waterproof bin or backpack near an exit. Check and refresh supplies every 6–12 months.

Basic Supplies (for all species):

• 3–7 days of food (stored in airtight containers)

• Bottled water (about 1 gallon per pet per day)

• Food and water bowls

• Medications with written instructions

• Copies of medical records, vaccination history, and microchip numbers

• Leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers

• Towels or blankets

• Trash bags, gloves, disinfectant wipes

• Photos and written descriptions of each pet

• Emergency contact list (veterinarian, shelters, friends/family)

  
  

3. Pet First Aid Kit Essentials

Include these items in your emergency kit:

• Gauze pads, adhesive tape, and vet wrap

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) for wound cleaning only if directed by a veterinarian

• Digital thermometer (rectal for dogs/cats; cloacal for birds/reptiles)

• Tweezers and blunt-tip scissors

• Saline solution for eye or wound flushing

• Styptic powder (for minor nail bleeding)

• Muzzle or soft cloth to prevent bites during stress

• Disposable gloves

• Emergency blanket

• Pet first aid guide or printed instructions

  
  

4. Evacuating with Pets

Different pets have different needs during evacuation.

Dogs

• Use a sturdy leash, harness, and secure crate or carrier

• Keep ID tags on at all times

• Bring familiar bedding or toys to reduce anxiety

Cats

• Always transport cats in a secure, ventilated carrier

• Cover the carrier lightly with a towel to help reduce stress

• Keep a small litter box and litter in your emergency kit

Small Mammals (Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, etc.)

• Use well-ventilated carriers or cages with secure latches

• Include familiar bedding or nesting material

• Bring extra food, water bottles, and cleaning supplies

Birds

• Use a small, secure travel cage with a perch

• Cover the cage lightly to reduce stress

• Bring food, water, cleaning supplies, and a misting bottle to prevent overheating

Reptiles

• Transport in escape-proof containers (plastic tubs with air holes work well)

• Keep them warm with chemical heat packs or wrapped warm-water bottles

• Bring food, water, and a small piece of their habitat (hide box, branch, or substrate)

• Avoid direct sunlight and overheating

  
  

5. Shelter-in-Place Tips

If evacuation isn’t possible:

• Bring pets indoors immediately

• Close windows and doors; block drafts

• Keep pets in carriers or separate rooms to reduce stress

• Store food and water in sealed containers

• Monitor emergency alerts via phone or radio

6. After the Emergency

• Allow pets time to adjust—they may be stressed or disoriented

• Check for injuries or signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if needed

• Re-establish normal routines as soon as possible to help pets feel secure

Helpful Resources

Being prepared is the best way to protect the pets you love. For more information:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet Disaster Preparedness

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Disaster Safety for Pets

• ASPCA: Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners

Our Recommendation

Emergency preparedness can make all the difference during a crisis. By planning ahead, building a pet emergency kit, and knowing how to evacuate safely, you can help ensure your pets stay safe—no matter what happens.

If you have questions about emergency preparedness or would like help creating a plan for your specific pets, our veterinary team at Animal Medical Center is always happy to help.

Preparation today can save lives tomorrow.