Pet Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Printable Guide Updated January 2025

Emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it's a natural disaster, a sudden illness, or an unexpected evacuation, being prepared can make all the difference for your furry family members. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you're ready for anything.

Pro Tip: Print this checklist and keep it with your emergency supplies. Review and update your kit every six months to ensure everything is current and in good condition.

Essential Emergency Supplies

Keep these items in a waterproof container or bag that's easy to grab in an emergency:

Food and Water

  • At least 3-7 days of food in airtight, waterproof containers
  • 3-7 days of water (approximately 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day)
  • Collapsible food and water bowls
  • Manual can opener (if using canned food)
  • Treats for comfort and training purposes

Medications and Medical Supplies

  • At least 2 weeks of any prescription medications
  • Copies of vaccination records
  • Medical history and current health conditions
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Basic first aid kit (see our First Aid Guide)
  • Any special dietary supplements

Identification and Documents

  • Current photos of your pet (for identification if separated)
  • Copies of registration and adoption papers
  • Microchip number and company contact information
  • Your veterinarian's contact information
  • Emergency vet clinic contact information
  • Pet-friendly hotel list along evacuation routes
  • Contact information for pet-friendly shelters

Comfort and Safety Items

  • Sturdy carrier or crate (large enough for pet to stand and turn around)
  • Extra collar with ID tags
  • Leash and harness
  • Familiar blanket or bedding (with your scent)
  • Favorite toys for stress relief
  • Poop bags and litter supplies (for cats)
  • Disposable litter box
  • Paper towels and cleaning supplies

First Aid Kit Contents

Your pet first aid kit should include:

  • Gauze pads and rolls
  • Adhesive tape (non-stick)
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%) for cleaning wounds
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Digital thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors with blunt tips
  • Disposable gloves
  • Saline eye wash
  • Styptic powder (for nail bleeding)
  • Emergency contact numbers

Evacuation Planning

Don't wait until an emergency to figure out where you'll go:

  • Identify pet-friendly hotels along multiple evacuation routes
  • Research boarding facilities outside your area
  • Ask friends or family if they can shelter you and your pet
  • Know which emergency shelters accept pets
  • Have a designated meeting point for family members
  • Practice loading your pet into their carrier quickly
  • Keep carriers accessible (not in hard-to-reach storage)

If You Must Leave Your Pet Behind

In rare cases where you absolutely cannot take your pet with you:

  • Never leave pets tied up or in a crate during an emergency
  • Leave them in an interior room with no windows
  • Leave plenty of food and water
  • Place a "Pets Inside" sticker on your door
  • Leave emergency contact information visible
  • Return for them as soon as safely possible

Important: Leaving pets behind should be an absolute last resort. Most disasters give enough warning to evacuate with your pets. Plan ahead so you never have to make this difficult choice.

Special Considerations by Pet Type

Dogs

  • Ensure crate is airline-approved if you may need to fly
  • Pack a muzzle in case of injury-related anxiety
  • Bring recent training treats for maintaining commands under stress

Cats

  • Use a hard-sided carrier for better protection
  • Include calming pheromone spray
  • Pack extra litter and a portable litter box

Birds

  • Have a travel cage ready
  • Keep a blanket for cage covering
  • Pack spray bottle for misting

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)

  • Prepare a small, secure carrier with bedding
  • Pack hay or species-appropriate food
  • Include water bottle or bowl

Reptiles

  • Have portable heating sources (hand warmers wrapped in cloth)
  • Pack a secure transport container
  • Bring spray bottle for humidity-loving species

Regular Maintenance

Keep your emergency kit effective with these regular tasks:

  • Check expiration dates on food and medications monthly
  • Rotate food supplies every 3 months
  • Update photos annually or when appearance changes
  • Review and update documents when information changes
  • Replace water every 3 months
  • Test batteries in any flashlights or devices
  • Verify contact information is current

Emergency Contact List

Keep these numbers in your emergency kit and saved in your phone:

  • Regular veterinarian: ________________
  • Emergency vet clinic: ________________
  • ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
  • Local animal control: ________________
  • Pet-friendly hotel #1: ________________
  • Pet-friendly hotel #2: ________________
  • Emergency contact (family/friend): ________________

Ready to Learn More?

Check out our other emergency preparedness resources:

First Aid Basics Emergency Articles