Roughly 67% of American households have at least one pet. Yet when emergency evacuation orders go out, pets are routinely left behind, lost, or abandoned at shelters. Not because their owners do not love them — but because no one planned ahead. This guide fixes that.
The Hard Truth About Shelters and Pets
Most public emergency shelters do not accept pets. During Hurricane Katrina, an estimated 250,000 pets were left behind when their owners evacuated to pet-free shelters. Many owners refused to leave without their animals — some died as a result.
The 2006 PETS Act changed federal requirements for state emergency plans to include pets, but implementation is inconsistent. The safest assumption: have your own plan, do not depend on public shelters.
Your Pet Emergency Kit Essentials
Food and Water
- 3-day minimum, 2-week ideal supply of your pet's regular food in waterproof sealed containers
- Water: 1 quart per day per dog (varies by size), 6–8oz per day per cat. Store separately from human water supply.
- Collapsible bowls — lightweight, packable, easy to clean
- Manual can opener if your pet eats canned food
Medical and Health
- Copies of all vaccination records (digital + printed)
- Current medications (2-week supply minimum) + medication schedule written down
- Flea/tick prevention (stress and new environments increase parasite exposure)
- Vet contact info + nearest emergency 24-hour animal hospital
- Muzzle — even gentle dogs may bite when injured or panicked
- Pet first aid kit: gauze, bandage tape, saline flush, tweezers, digital thermometer
ID and Containment
- Microchip your pets — it is the single most effective reunification tool. Register the chip with your current address and phone number (many people forget to update this after moving).
- Current ID tags on collar with your cell number
- A recent photo of you WITH your pet (proves ownership)
- Sturdy leash + backup leash
- Carrier or crate (hard-sided for cats; soft-sided for small dogs)
Comfort and Calm
- Familiar toy or blanket (reduces anxiety in new environments)
- Calming aid if your pet is anxiety-prone (consult your vet in advance)
- Litter + disposable litter box (for cats)
- Waste bags
Pre-Plan Your Evacuation Route
Know in advance where you will go with your pets. Options to identify now, not during a crisis:
- Pet-friendly hotels along your likely evacuation routes (use BringFido.com or similar)
- Friends or family outside your risk zone who can host you and your animals
- Pet-friendly emergency shelters in your county (call your local emergency management office)
- Your veterinarian's boarding capacity during emergencies
What to Do If You Cannot Take Your Pet
If evacuation is mandatory and you absolutely cannot bring your pet, do NOT leave them tied up or locked in a small space. Leave them inside with:
- Toilet lid up (water access)
- Several days of dry food accessible
- A note on the door with pet count, species, and your contact number
- Identification on the pet
Register with local animal control or a neighbor to check on them. Contact your local humane society — many run emergency animal rescue operations during disasters.
The Quick Reference Checklist
- ☐ Pet microchipped + registration current
- ☐ Current ID tags on collar
- ☐ Recent photo with pet (digital + printed)
- ☐ 3-day food supply per pet (sealed, waterproof)
- ☐ Water supply (separate from human supply)
- ☐ Collapsible food and water bowls
- ☐ Carrier or crate
- ☐ 2-week medication supply + schedule
- ☐ Vaccination records (physical + digital)
- ☐ Vet contact + emergency vet contact
- ☐ Leash + backup leash
- ☐ Pet first aid kit
- ☐ Comfort item (toy/blanket)
- ☐ Litter + box (cats)
- ☐ Pet-friendly evacuation destination identified
Preparedness is the greatest act of love for your animals. Start your family kit today — and include your four-legged family members from the beginning.
Leave a Comment