Carrier or crate
Pick the size and style for your species before an evacuation makes the decision urgent.
Pet Emergency Checklist
Pets get left out of most emergency plans, but they need their own supplies and their own version of an evacuation plan. Pick your pet type below to filter this list to what is actually relevant.
Start here
If you only do five things
- Food and water for at least 3 days
- Carrier, crate, leash, or other safe containment
- Paper copy of vaccination records
- Any regular medications
- Recent photo and current ID tag
Food & Water
- Food in a sealed container Pack at least a 3-day minimum, plus a little extra if your pet is sensitive to food changes.
- Collapsible food and water bowls Lightweight bowls make feeding easier in a car, hotel, or shelter.
- Pet water allowance Use the Water Calculator and add pets there; the shared estimate uses about 0.25 gallons per pet per day.
Containment
- Leash and collar with ID tag Keep a spare leash in the kit in case the everyday one is not near the exit.
- Sturdy crate or carrier Use something your dog can safely stay in around stressed people or unfamiliar animals.
- Hard-sided carrier A hard carrier is safer and easier to secure than carrying a loose cat or relying only on a soft bag.
- Cat harness as backup A harness can help if the carrier has to be opened in a car or shelter intake area.
- Ventilated small-pet carrier Choose a carrier sized for the animal, with secure closures and enough ventilation.
- Bedding from the normal habitat Familiar bedding or nesting material helps reduce stress for small pets.
Medical
- Regular medications Pack a 7+ day supply when possible, with written dosing instructions.
- Vaccination records Some shelters and pet-friendly hotels require proof of rabies vaccination.
- Basic pet first aid items Include gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and vet contact details.
Identification
- Up-to-date ID tag Confirm the phone number is current before an evacuation season starts.
- Microchip information written down A chip is only useful if the registry details can be found and updated.
- Recent printed photo Useful if you get separated and phone battery or network access is limited.
Comfort & Cleanup
- Favorite toy or blanket A familiar object can help with stress during travel or sheltering.
- Waste bags Pack more than you think you need for car travel or hotel stays.
- Small litter box and litter Use a lightweight tray or disposable option for travel.
Recommended Products
These product types map directly to the species-filtered checklist. Affiliate links will be added after partner approval.
Pet first aid kit
A small pet-focused kit fills gaps a human first aid kit usually misses.
ID tag or microchip update
Current contact information is one of the highest-value upgrades in the whole kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A simple planning average is about 0.25 gallons per pet per day, though large dogs may need more and small pets may need less. Add pets in the Water Calculator so they are counted with the household supply.
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Many emergency shelters, boarding facilities, and pet-friendly hotels require proof of rabies vaccination at minimum, so keep a paper copy with the kit.
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Assuming there will be time to grab pet supplies during an evacuation. Pre-packing food, medication, records, and containment avoids that scramble.
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Yes. List a nearby friend, neighbor, or relative who could care for or evacuate the pet if you are not home when an emergency hits.
Source: Ready.gov - Pets and Animals