Pet Preparedness

Pet Preparedness FEMA

Pet Disaster Preparedness

In an emergency, your pets depend on you for their safety and well-being. Include them in your disaster plan! 

Learn what to do to keep your pets safe!
* If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either!
* Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit.
* Make an evacuation plan for you and your pets. Find hotels and shelters that accept animal guests other than service animals.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think about the basics for survival, such as food and water. 

  • Food. Keep several days’ supply of food.
  • Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
  • Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis.
  • Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. 
  • Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents.
  • Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
  • Grooming items. 
  • Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
  • A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
  • Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness

Ready.gov/pets