No one wants to think about emergencies and disasters striking, especially when it means your pets’ safety might be compromised. From hurricanes to wildfires, blizzards, or extended power outages, emergencies can leave you and your furry friends without access to food, water, or veterinary care for days. Making sure you have everything you need in an emergency kit can keep you and your pet safe and provide more peace of mind. From food to first aid, here’s what to pack in your pet’s emergency kit so you’re never caught off guard.
Start with the Basics
Make a list of what your pet will need to get through the first 72-hours at minimum without any outside help. These bare essentials will form the foundation of any emergency supply kit:
- 3 to 7 Days Worth of Food and Water: Store sufficient dry food in airtight containers and rotate it out every 2–3 months. Include bottled water and collapsible bowls in your emergency supply kit.
- Medication and Supplements: Pack a one- to two-week supply of all your pet’s prescriptions, plus written instructions for the correct dosing.
- Backup Leash, Harness, or Carrier: Be prepared to transport your pet quickly and securely by including a spare collar with an ID tag.
- Waste Cleanup Supplies: Include poop bags, any pet litter, disposable trays, and cleaning wipes to manage bathroom needs.
All of these items are nonnegotiable in an emergency. They keep your pet fed, hydrated, and safe in case resources are scarce or inaccessible.
Don’t Forget Pet First Aid
When a crisis hits, getting to a vet may not be possible, making a pet emergency kit and first aid essential:
- Gauze, Bandages, and Adhesive Tape
- Antiseptic Wipes or Pet-Safe Hydrogen Peroxide
- Tweezers for Splinter or Tick Removal
- Scissors and Blunt-Tip Forceps
- Pet Thermometer
- Styptic Powder or Cornstarch (to stop bleeding)
Include a laminated card with your vet’s phone number, an emergency animal hospital, and instructions for treating common issues like wounds or heatstroke. If you’re not sure how to create your own pet first-aid guide, ask your vet or local animal shelter for resources. They probably have a pre-made checklist or resources that can help you start your own kit.
Pack Comfort Items and Stress-Relievers
By nature, emergencies are loud and full of stress and unfamiliar places and events. It’s normal for your pets to feel scared and need something familiar to feel a sense of safety.
- Favorite Toy or Blanket: Something that smells like home to reduce anxiety.
- Chews or Treats: Offers a soothing distraction during stressful moments.
- Blanket or Wrap: Helpful during storms or evacuations.
- Comforting Spray: A synthetic or pheromone spray can promote calm behavior in cats and dogs.
Go through your pet’s favorite items to think about what helps them feel better when they’re nervous, and include one or two of those items in your emergency kit.
Include Pet Identification and Records
In the event you and your pets get separated, it’s vital to have the right documentation in place to increase the odds you are safely and quickly reunited. If your pet becomes separated from you, having the right documentation increases your chances of a safe reunion.
- Store some printed and digital photos of your pets, including any shots of their face and unique markings.
- Microchip Number and Registration Info
- Vaccination Records and Medical History
- Proof of Ownership, including an adoption record or license
Store any of your paperwork or documents in a waterproof folder or Ziploc bag. You can also save copies on your phone or in cloud storage so you have quick and easy access from anywhere.
Customize Based on Pet Type and Needs
Not all pets have the same needs, including in an emergency, making it important to consider what they’ll need in an emergency kit. Here are some ways to make sure you’re covered in a crisis:
- Cats: Pack a small litter box, scoop, and clumping litter. Don’t forget to pack some toys or scratching pads!
- Dogs: Include extra poop bags, a high-visibility vest for walking in low-light conditions, and paw balm for hot or rough terrain.
- Small Mammals, including rabbits and guinea pigs: Throw in some hay, pellets, and extra bedding, and a soft-sided carrier for quick transport.
- Birds: Include a specialty travel cage, a sheet to cover the cage during travel, and their favorite treats or seed mix.
If your pet needs special medical devices, like insulin pens or inhalers, make sure you store them in temperature-appropriate containers and noteexpiration dates or extra prescriptions.
Practice for an Emergency with Your Pet
Just like humans, pets also need to rehearse an emergency plan. Animals can get frightened, confused, and uncooperative in unfamiliar or high-stress situations. Take the time to practice guiding your pet to their carrier or crate and guiding them through the process of an emergency. Take them through a pet-friendly evacuation route and drills so they’re familiar with the process.
Prepare for Emergencies with CARA
No one likes to think about disasters, but being prepared can make it a calm experience where you’re in control. Make sure you’re fully prepared by staying on top of your vet appointments and getting the best care for your pet. Schedule your appointment today!
