If You Have a Pet, You Need an Emergency Survival Kit

No matter where you live in the U.S., you’re at risk of facing a natural disaster. In 2020 alone, the country experienced 22 major weather and climate disasters. Hurricanes battered the South and East. Wildfires ravaged California, Oregon, and Washington state. Tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding swept through the Midwest and Ohio Valley. 

You may already know what to have on hand for yourself should you experience a disaster. Items like bottled water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight are at the top of the American Red Cross’ survival kit checklist. But what about for your pet? For pet owners, being prepared for a disaster could make all the difference to your furry friend’s survival.

This post will cover why you should have an emergency kit for your pet, what it should include, and the importance of having your pet’s identification items up to date.

Why is it important to have a disaster preparedness kit for my pet?

You’ve probably taught your pet all sorts of tricks like how to fetch or use a litter box. But unless you’ve shown them how to pack a suitcase or stock up on canned goods, you can’t expect them to fend for themselves during an emergency. Your fur babies will rely on you to protect them and provide for their needs.

A kit that has everything your pet needs to survive for 1 to 2 weeks (with or without you) will keep them safe and secure plus give you peace of mind. And it may just save your pet’s life as well as help keep you safe.  

Many pet owners refuse to evacuate during emergencies without their pets. It’s because many emergency shelters don’t allow pets. But past disasters have taught communities and rescue organizations the importance of being prepared. 

Some communities now have emergency shelters specifically for pets, and others welcome both pets and their owners. An emergency kit will ensure that you and your pet are ready to go with everything you need.  

What should be in a pet emergency kit?

Your kit should include everything your pet or pets would need to survive for at least a week. Don’t take anything for granted. You may not have access to drinking water or be able to reach your vet for a prescription refill. 

Major emergency and rescue organizations recommend putting together a kit with the following items to ensure your pet’s well-being during a chaotic situation.

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Food and water

• Bottled water for 1 to 2 weeks per pet

• Food for 1 to 2 weeks per pet stored in water-tight containers

• Pet food and water bowls

• Manual can opener (if needed)

Medications and veterinary information

• A list of medications and instructions

• Medications for 2 weeks per pet

• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medications for 1 month

• Copies of medical records, vaccination papers, and a rabies certificate in a waterproof container

• Your vet’s name and phone number

Essential extras

• Leash, collar with ID tag, and harness

• Toys and treats

• Carriers and blankets for each pet

• Cat litter, pan, and scoop

• Cleaning supplies in case of accidents

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Your name and number and the names and numbers of emergency contacts

• Photos of your pets in case you get separated

What to put in a pet first aid kit

In addition to the above essentials, you’ll also want to include a basic pet first aid kit in your emergency pack. You can buy a pre-made kit online or from a local pet store. The cost of these kits vary based on the brand and size. If you prefer, you can also create your own first aid kit.  

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, your pet first aid kit should include at least the following: 

• Latex gloves

• Digital thermometer

• Gauze roll

• Non-stick bandages

• Clean towels

• First aid tape

• Eye dropper 

• Water-based lubricant

• Hydrogen peroxide 

• Saline solution

Check with your veterinarian for suggestions of other items to keep in your first aid kit specific to your pet. Keep in mind that cats and dogs may need slightly different items, so plan for both.

Make sure your pet’s identification is up to date

There are several important ways for your pet to be identified in case you get separated. These forms of identification should be updated whenever anything changes in your life, like you move to a new address or get a new phone number.

• ID tags: Your pet’s identification tags should include your name, current address, phone numbers, and your pet’s name. Your pet may also need to wear a rabies tag, depending on your city or county’s ordinances.

• Microchips: Your vet can inject a microchip painlessly under your pet’s skin. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and has a unique number that’s entered into a database with your contact information. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics can scan your animal for a chip and locate your name, address, and phone number to reunite you and your pet. That’s why you should register your pet’s microchip and update your contact information whenever you move. To check your microchip data, contact the manufacturer or try the American Animal Hospital Association’s lookup tool. 

• Photos: Dogs and cats may look different as they age. Make sure you have current photos of your pet and take pictures of any distinguishing features like white paws on a black dog. Photos may help you locate your pet if you get separated. You can post pictures of your pet on posters or social media.

Getting a back-up supply of your pet’s medication

When an emergency strikes, you may not have time to visit your vet for extra medication. Make sure you discuss a back-up supply with your veterinarian now. Also store extra preventative medications like flea and tick treatment. Check medication expiration dates regularly and highlight your pet’s name on labels. This is especially important if you have more than one pet.

How to get copies of your pet’s medical and vaccination records

Having your pet’s medical records is as important as having your own medical records. If you adopt your pet from a shelter or get your pet from a friend or breeder, they should give you your pet’s file. Once you take your pet to a veterinarian, you can ask their office for copies of your pet’s records. Make sure their file includes:

• Your pet’s medical history, including test results and blood work 

• Vaccination records

• Prior surgeries

• Current health issues

• Prescribed medications

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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