🎒 Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
Documents, supplies, and a plan — built for dogs and cats, so you're not assembling this while a disaster is already happening. Check items off as you go; your progress saves automatically on this device.
Documents & ID
Food, Water & Medication
Supplies & Comfort
Plan & Practice
Moving to a new home instead of an emergency evacuation? → Moving With Pets Checklist
Getting ready for cold season? → Winter Pet Safety Checklist
Pet missing right now? → Lost Pet: First 24 Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of supplies should a pet emergency kit have?
A common minimum is 3 days of food, water, and medication, which covers most short-notice evacuations. Several disaster-preparedness organizations recommend closer to 7 days where possible, since extended disasters can delay a return home or access to pet supply stores longer than expected.
Do I need a separate emergency kit for each pet?
Documents, food, and medications should be individually labeled per pet since dosages and dietary needs differ, but shared items like a first aid kit, extra towels, or a manual can opener can be kept in one central kit. Each pet still needs their own carrier — trying to share a single carrier between multiple pets during a stressful evacuation rarely goes smoothly.
What documents should be in a pet emergency kit?
Vaccination records (especially rabies), a recent photo with you in the frame for proof of ownership if you're separated, microchip registration details, proof of ownership or adoption paperwork, and a written list of current medications and dosages. Keep physical copies in a waterproof bag or folder, since power and phone service aren't guaranteed during a disaster.
Should I include my pet's medications in the kit?
Yes, ideally a 7-14 day supply of any regular medication, stored in a waterproof container and rotated periodically so it doesn't expire unnoticed. If your pet takes a medication that requires refrigeration, plan how you'd keep it cool during an evacuation and mention this to your vet in advance.
What if I have to evacuate before my pet's kit is fully ready?
Always take your pet with you rather than leaving them behind to retrieve supplies later — animals left behind during a disaster are easily lost, injured, or unable to be rescued in time. A "pets inside" rescue alert sticker on a front window or door helps responders know to look for them if you're ever unable to evacuate together.
Do pet shelters or hotels always accept pets during a disaster?
No — many public emergency shelters do not allow pets inside, which is why researching pet-friendly hotels and pet-specific shelters along your likely evacuation routes ahead of time matters. Waiting until an evacuation order to search for one can mean arriving to find it already full or unavailable.