Prepping for Your Pets: Keeping Furry Family Members Safe in an Emergency

When disaster strikes, we naturally think of protecting our families — but sometimes our pets get left out of the plan until it’s too late. Whether it’s a power outage, wildfire, earthquake, flood, or evacuation, your animals rely entirely on you to keep them safe, fed, and calm.

In an emergency, you may not have time to gather supplies or think through what they’ll need. That’s why now is the perfect time to create a pet preparedness plan — one that keeps your furry (or feathered) family members just as protected as everyone else.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Just like your family’s emergency kits, your pets need their own supplies ready to grab and go. Keep these items in a sturdy tote or backpack stored near your family’s go-bags.

Pet Emergency Kit Checklist:

• Food: 3–7 days of dry or canned pet food. Rotate it regularly so it stays fresh.
• Water: 1 gallon per pet per day (same rule as for people).
• Collar, ID tags, and leash – even indoor pets may run or hide if scared.
• Carrier or crate – big enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
• Bowl set – collapsible bowls are great for travel.
• Medications – at least a week’s supply, with instructions and your vet’s contact info.
• Vaccination and medical records – required at most shelters or hotels.
• Waste bags, litter, or puppy pads – depending on your animal.
• Blanket or towel – offers comfort and warmth.
• Toys or comfort items – something familiar can help reduce stress.

Tip: Store a photo of your pet (and one of you with them) in your kit. It can help you prove ownership if you’re separated.

2. Make a “Stay” and “Go” Plan

Emergencies can go two ways — you either shelter in place or evacuate. Preparing for both keeps your pets covered no matter what.

If You Shelter in Place:

• Bring pets indoors early. Don’t wait until it’s dangerous outside.
• Keep them in a safe, enclosed room away from windows.
• Have their crate or carrier nearby in case you need to move quickly.

If You Evacuate:

• Never leave pets behind. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
• Know which hotels, friends, or shelters accept animals. (Make a list now!) Most shelters will not accept animals. If they do they must be crated.
• Keep a small “go bag” of food, leash, meds, and comfort items ready to toss in the car.
• Have a plan B — maybe a boarding facility or friend outside your area who can temporarily care for your pets.

3. Keep Documents and Identification Updated

Disasters can scatter pets far from home. Make sure they can always find their way back:

• Microchip your pet and keep your contact info current.
• Attach ID tags with your name, phone, and address.
• Add a temporary tag if you’re evacuated — something with your shelter or out-of-town address.
• Store veterinary records and vaccine proof in your emergency binder and upload digital copies to cloud storage.

4. Include Pets in Your Practice Runs

When you run emergency drills or pack the car, include your pets.

• Practice loading carriers quickly.
• Teach them to come when called or go into crates calmly.
• If your pet gets nervous with loud noises, try desensitization training or ask your vet about calming aids.

5. Think Long-Term

Some disasters last longer than a few days.

Consider:

• How you’ll feed your pets if stores are closed for weeks. Keep bulk food sealed in airtight bins.
• Where you’ll board them if your home is damaged or you’re displaced.
• Backup caregivers — someone local who can access your house if you’re trapped or evacuated suddenly.

6. Special Considerations

Every pet is unique.

• Small animals (rabbits, hamsters, birds): Bring extra bedding and cages with tight lids.
• Reptiles: Keep a heat source like chemical hand warmers (never touching the animal directly).
• Livestock: Identify safe pastures or trailers for evacuation. Keep halters, ropes, and feed ready.

7. Don’t Forget Their Emotional Needs

Emergencies are stressful — for pets too.

Talk to them calmly, keep routines when possible, and provide comfort items. A familiar blanket or your scent can help keep them grounded when everything else feels chaotic.

Final Thoughts

Your pets depend on you for everything — especially in a crisis.

Taking time now to prepare for their needs can mean the difference between chaos and calm when disaster hits.

Think of it as extending your family’s safety net to every member — paws, feathers, or scales included.

Because being Ready & Prepped means no one gets left behind.

No fuss. No fluff. No fear. 

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The Best Emergency Shelters for Any Disaster

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