One of the most important components of disaster preparedness for pets is a comprehensive emergency kit containing all the necessary supplies your pets will need to stay safe and cared for on-the-go in the event of an unexpected evacuation - if it's not safe for you to remain in your home, it's not safe for your pets to stay either! It can be especially stressful to try and assemble this go-bag once an emergency has already begun, so we recommend having an emergency kit ready to go at all times, pre-prepped with as many of these supplies as possible.
What to Include in Your Pet's Emergency Kit:
Contact Information
Both a digital and hard copy of your veterinarian's contact information should you need to reach their office after evacuating
If your family has a pre-chosen destination you plan to travel to in the event of an evacuation - perhaps a friend or family member's home in another city - compile a list of pet resources in that area (24 hr pet emergency hospital, pet store, boarding facility, etc.) and keep a copy in your emergency kit
Food and Water
Two week supply of food for each pet, stored in secure, labeled and water-proof containers.
Two week supply of water for each pet. Bowls for each pet to eat and drink out of.
If your pet is on a prescription diet, a written prescription from your veterinarian that you could use to acquire the food in your relocation area.
Carrier and/or Crate
A sturdy carrier or crate for each pet, pre-setup with bedding and towels. Be sure the enclosure is big enough for your pet to stand up comfortably and turn around - it's possible your pet could be in it for hours at a time. We do not recommend planning to have more than one pet per crate - in times of stress, sharing a confined space can be especially challenging for pets. Be sure to label each crate with your pet's name and information as well as your contact information.
Equipment and Identification
Well-fitting, secure harness for each dog. In times of stress dogs are more likely to become startled and engage in flight-seeking behaviors that could result in them backing out of loose-fitting collars.
Back-up collar with ID tags for each dog in the event a collar is accidentally left behind, lost or damaged
A quick-release collar with ID tags for each cat. Even if your cat does not normally wear a collar in your home, we recommend placing one during evacuation to increase the likelihood of reunification in the event your cat escapes or otherwise becomes separated from you.
Several extra leashes, including slip leads
Both a digital and hard copy record of each of your pet's microchip information in the event you become separated and need this information for reunification. If your pet is not yet microchipped, consider having them chipped as soon as possible - contact us to schedule a microchip appointment!
Recent photographs of you with your pets in the event you become separated and proof of ownership is required for reclaim
Well-fitting, comfortable basket muzzle for each dog. In an emergency, your dog may have to share space with strangers in a way he is not typically comfortable with. Being prepared with a well-fitting muzzle that protects your dog and others is important.
Medications and Health Records
Both a digital and hard copy of all documents
Each pet's medical history summary. We recommend making a separate list of any major medical needs or health conditions for each pet
Rabies certificate for each pet
Most current proof of vaccinations for each pet
A list of each pet's medications and associated instructions
A written prescription for each of your pet's medications
Two week supply of any required medications in secure, labeled, water-proof containers
Two week supply of anti-anxiety medications - if applicable. If your pet is an animal who requires anti-anxiety medications prior to stressful events such as thunderstorms, vet visits or travel, it will be important for your emergency kit to contain a supply of these medications to help your pet cope with the stress of displacement.
Sanitary Supplies
Litter and litterboxes for cats. Throw-away cake pans make great on-the-go litterboxes that are easy to pack and easy to dispose of
Gloves, paper towels and cleaning solution to address any accidents
Poop bags
Comfort Items
Toys
Blankets
Treats
Beds
Long-lasting enrichment tools such as kongs or lickmats to reduce stress and provide distraction
Basic Pet FirstAid Kit
Look for a kit that contains: thermometer, gauze, nonstick tape, tweezers and antibiotic ointment. Consider including a book on pet first aid.
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