Pets in emergencies: kit, evacuation plan and what to do if they get lost
How to prepare your dog, cat or other pet for an emergency: the pet kit, records and microchip, where to go if you have to evacuate, how to keep them calm during an earthquake or alert, and what to do if they go missing.
In short
- If you leave home, take your pet: if it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for them either.
- The pet kit: food and water for 3–7 days, medication, carrier or leash, bowl, a blanket and a recent photo.
- A microchip with up-to-date contact details is your best chance of getting a lost pet back.
- Find out in advance where your pet can stay if you evacuate: family, friends, kennels or pet-friendly hotels.
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many people refused to leave their homes because they couldn’t take their pets, and some died as a result. Since then, US authorities have included animals in emergency planning. This guide is adapted from FEMA’s Ready.gov guidance, which is in the public domain.
The basic rule
If you go, your pet goes with you. Never leave a pet tied up or shut indoors in a flood, fire or evacuation: you may not be able to get back for days.
The pet kit
Keep it next to your family’s go bag, in a separate bag or even inside the carrier:
- food for 3–7 days in an airtight container
- water for 3–7 days (a medium-sized dog drinks about a liter, or a quart, a day, more in summer)
- collapsible bowl
- your pet’s medication and its prescription or name
- leash, harness, muzzle if needed, carrier for cats and small animals
- health records, rabies vaccination certificate, microchip number
- a recent photo of you with your pet (helps prove ownership)
- waste bags, litter and a small tray for cats
- a familiar blanket or toy
- your vet’s phone number
Records and microchip
- Ask your vet to check that the microchip registry details are current.
- Put a tag on the collar with your pet’s name and your phone number.
- Take a few clear photos from the side and front, and keep them on your phone and on paper.
Where to go if you evacuate
Find out in advance:
- family or friends in another town who can take all of you;
- pet-friendly hotels along your likely evacuation routes;
- boarding kennels or vet clinics that board animals.
Add these to your family emergency plan under pets.
During an emergency
- Leash or crate your pet as soon as an alert, earthquake or storm begins. Frightened animals run and hide.
- During an air raid alert, bring them into your shelter corner.
- In winter, don’t leave outdoor animals without a dry shelter and water that won’t freeze.
- In a heatwave, never leave them in a car, and give them shade and plenty of water.
If your pet gets lost
- Search around your home right away, calling calmly. Cats often hide very close by.
- Notify your vet, local animal shelters and animal control.
- Post a photo on local social media groups with the area and your number.
- Check shelters regularly: found animals are scanned for microchips.
Recommended equipment
What to look for when buying. Links go to partner shops; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Details.
Pet carrier for cats or small dogs
Essential for evacuating and in shelters. Get your pet used to it in advance.
- Big enough for the animal to turn around
- Secure latch
- Easy to clean
Collapsible silicone bowl
Takes up almost no space in a bag.
- Food-grade silicone
- With a carabiner clip
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my pet to an emergency shelter?
It depends on the shelter. Many public shelters don't accept pets, except service animals, though more now have pet-friendly options. That's why you need a backup: family or friends outside the area, a boarding kennel or a pet-friendly hotel. Ask your local emergency management office which shelters accept animals.
Is microchipping mandatory?
For dogs it is in many countries, including the UK and much of the EU, and it's strongly recommended everywhere for cats too. Whatever the law, ask your vet to check that the details in the microchip registry are current, especially after a move or a new phone number.
How do I keep my dog calm during an alert or earthquake?
Animals sense tension and react to noise. Put your dog on a leash or your cat in a carrier before heading to your shelter spot so they can't bolt. Talk calmly and give them a familiar blanket or toy. After an earthquake, don't let them loose outside: they may run off in fright and get lost.
What about large animals and livestock?
For horses and farm animals, the plan must be made well in advance: high ground in case of floods, trailers and a destination arranged ahead of time. Don't leave them shut in barns if water is coming; if you can't take them, release them to higher ground and inform the authorities.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.