Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Pet
August 26, 2025
Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe
Christy Garrison
Natural disasters and emergencies can strike without warning, and just as we prepare for ourselves and our families, we must consider the safety and well-being of our pets. In the chaos of a disaster, pets may become scared, disoriented, or injured. Having a plan for your pets’ care during an emergency is essential. This article covers how to prepare for your pets’ health and safety in an emergency or disaster.
-
Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pets
Before disaster strikes, have an emergency preparedness plan in place for your pets. This includes knowing where to take them if you need to evacuate, how to transport them, and what supplies they will need. Key information to include in your plan:
- Emergency Contacts: Include phone numbers and locations of your veterinarian, local animal shelters, pet sitters, and nearby pet-friendly hotels or shelters. Share this list with family and friends.
- Evacuation Plan: Identify places where you can take your pets with you if you need to evacuate. Since some hotels and shelters may not accept animals, have alternate plans in place.
- Transportation: Ensure that you have a carrier or leash for each pet, and allocate space in your vehicle for them and their supplies.
- Identification: Ensure each pet has proper identification, such as a collar with an ID tag and microchip. This will help reunite you with your pet if you are separated.
- Practice Drills: Just as you practice evacuation drills for your family, practice with your pets as well.
-
Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit
A pet emergency kit is a must-have in any disaster preparedness plan. This kit should contain everything your pet may need for at least 72 hours. Contents will vary depending on the needs of your pet, but there are several items you should always include:
Pet First Aid Kit
- Adhesive bandages to wrap around wounds.
- Antiseptic wipes/sprays for cleaning wounds to prevent infection.
- Hydrocortisone cream for relief from insect bites or skin irritations.
- Tweezers to remove splinters, ticks, or foreign objects.
- Gauze pads and rolls to cover wounds and stop bleeding.
- Elastic bandage for securing dressings or creating makeshift slings.
- Thermometer to check your pet’s temperature.
- Scissors to cut bandages or tape.
- Instant cold pack for injuries that require cold therapy.
- Saline solution for flushing out eyes or wounds.
- Cotton pads and swabs for cleaning ears, wounds, or eyes.
- Medication for pain relief that is pet-specific and approved by your veterinarian.
Other Essential Items for Your Pet Emergency Kit
In addition to the first aid kit, your pet emergency kit should include the following items:
- Food and water: Pack at least three days’ supply of food and water for each pet; include food and water bowls.
- Medications: Include your pets’ medications and copies of
- Leash, harness, and collar: Use them to safely transport and control your pet.
- Pet carrier or crate: Provide a secure and comfortable way for your pets to travel.
- Bedding and comfort items: Bring blankets, toy, or other familiar things to help reduce stress.
- Waste disposal bags: Use to keep your pets’ area clean.
- Pet documentation: Copies of your pets’ medical records, vaccination history, and microchip information.
- Flashlight and extra batteries: In case of power outages.
- Pet waste pads or litter box: Provides a place for your pets to relieve themselves.
-
Stay Informed
During an emergency, access to reliable news sources or emergency alerts will help you make decisions about your pets’ safety. Consider signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities, and invest in a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
-
Preparing for Specific Disasters
Different types of disasters require specific preparations for your pets. Know the unique risks associated with the disasters that are common in your area, and adjust your pet preparedness plan accordingly.
-
Training Your Pet for Emergencies
Just as people benefit from training in emergencies, pets can also be trained to remain calm and responsive in stressful situations. Practice getting your pet into their carrier or the car, and teach them to respond to basic commands to help when you need to move quickly or ensure their safety.
-
Post-emergency Care
Once the immediate danger has passed, check your pet for injuries, stress, or changes in behavior. Watch for signs of trauma, such as limping, excessive panting, or hiding, and take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up if necessary.
If your pet has been separated from you, check local shelters and online databases for lost animals. Using social media can help spread the word about your missing pet.
-
Pet Safety Training and Information Resources
These resources provide pet safety training and information to help keep your pets safe:
American Red Cross – Pet First Aid and Safety
The American Red Cross offers comprehensive resources on pet first aid, including how to respond to emergencies and provide first aid for pets in distress. Search the app store for your particular device and download for future use. https://www.redcross.org
READY – Pet Safety
“Ready” is an official US government organization that provides information and disaster-specific resources to help you prepare pets for disasters, including evacuation plans, shelters, and pet safety during severe weather events. https://www.ready.gov/pets
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The ASPCA offers resources for disaster planning, emergency preparedness, first aid, and general safety tips for pets. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
Pet Health and Safety – Veterinary Partner
Veterinary Partner is a great resource for accurate, detailed medical information about pets, including first aid, preventive care, and how to respond to emergencies. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com
Pet Emergency Education
Pet Emergency Education offers online courses and certifications in pet first aid and CPR. Their courses teach pet owners how to handle emergencies, such as choking, bleeding, and poisoning. https://petemergencyeducation.com/
Being prepared for emergencies and disasters is crucial to the safety of your entire family, including your pets. Creating a plan, assembling a well-stocked emergency kit, and practicing evacuation procedures helps ensure that your pets will be as safe and comfortable as possible during any emergency.