Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Disasters don’t follow a schedule. Depending on where you live, you could face hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, power outages, or other emergencies that require you to leave quickly—or stay put without services.

In any emergency, your pets rely on you to plan ahead. This guide keeps it simple: what to think about, what to prepare, and what actually matters if you need to act fast.

If You Evacuate, Bring Your Pets

If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.

Always plan to take your pets with you if you evacuate. Leaving them behind should never be the plan unless there is absolutely no other option.

Know Where You Can Go

Before an emergency happens, think through where you could stay with your pets.

Good options include:

• Pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area

• Friends or family in safer locations

• Boarding facilities or veterinary offices (only if needed and pre-identified)

Many emergency shelters do not accept pets, so don’t assume that will be an option.

Have a Basic Evacuation Plan

You don’t need anything complicated—just clarity.

Be sure to know:

• When you would leave (don’t wait for the last minute)

• Which direction or areas are safer

• At least one backup route if roads are blocked

Leaving early gives you the best chance of traveling safely with pets.

Make Sure Your Pet Can Be Identified

If you get separated, identification matters.

• Keep ID tags up to date with your current phone number

• Microchip your pets and keep the registration current

• If using carriers, add ID information to them as well

Have a Backup Care Plan

If you’re not home during an emergency, someone may need to step in.

Choose a trusted person who:

• Lives nearby or can access your home

• Knows your pets and routine

• Has access to your home and emergency instructions

Pet Emergency Kit (Keep It Ready)

Pack everything in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container and keep it accessible.

Include:

• At least 5 days of food and water

• Bowls for food and water

• Leash, harness, and carrier

• Bedding or something familiar

• Medications (at least 2 weeks if possible)

• Litter and waste bags

• Basic first aid supplies

• Copies of medical records

• Recent photo and description of your pets

• A simple info sheet (feeding, health notes, vet contact)

Rotate food and medications so nothing expires.

Home Safety if You Can’t Evacuate

If you must stay home, choose the safest area in your house based on the situation.

Keep:

• Pets secured in a crate or on a leash

• Your emergency kit nearby

• Identification on your pets at all times

Final Reminder

Disasters often happen without warning. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s preparation.

A simple plan, a ready kit, and knowing where your pets can go makes all the difference when things move fast.