Be prepared for a disaster with a pet evacuation kit. Assemble the kit well in advance of any emergency and store in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container close to an exit.

Food and medicine

• 3-7 days’ worth of food*
• Hand-operated can opener for canned food
• Two-week supply of medicine*
• At least 7 days’ supply of water
• Collapsible feeding dish and water bowl
• Liquid dish soap

*These items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire

First aid kit

• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage tape and scissors
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Flea and tick prevention
• Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Saline solution
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

See all first aid kit tips

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
• Dog poop disposal bags
• Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership and microchip number, if applicable
• Medical records and medication instructions
• Emergency contact cards, including veterinarian and pharmacy
• Photo of your pet (preferably with you)

Travel supplies

• Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Muzzle

Comfort items

• Favorite toys and treats
• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

Download a printable version of this checklist (also in Spanish: Kit de evacuación para mascotas).

Learn more on what to pack from the ASPCA.

Prepare your emergency contact list now, before disaster strikes. You may need it during a disaster or while evacuating, and rescue personnel responding to a disaster affecting your pets may need it, too. Keep a copy with your evacuation kit.

Include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers, if available. If you use the Medical ID function on your mobile device, be sure one of the contacts is aware of your pet disaster plan.

A thorough emergency contact list includes:

• Numbers where you can be reached
• Location of your prearranged evacuation sites
• Local emergency contact person if you aren’t available
• Out-of-state emergency contact person
• Your veterinarian’s name, clinic name, and phone number
• Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
• Boarding facility (local)
• Boarding facility (30-90 miles away)
• Hotels that allow pets (90-mile radius)
• Local animal control agency
• Local police department
• Local fire department
• Local public health department
• Local Red Cross chapter
• List of internet and social media “lost and found” animal sites
• Local municipal animal shelter, local humane society, or local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA)

Download emergency contact cards for pets and livestock

Follow these tips to help your pets recover after a disaster situation:

• Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards.
• Examine your animals closely, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe injuries or signs of illness.
• Remember that familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and this can confuse your animals.
• Release cats, dogs, and other small animals indoors only. They could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris if allowed outside unsupervised and unrestrained.
• Release birds and reptiles only if necessary and only when they are calm and in an enclosed room.
• Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions if animals have been without food for a prolonged period of time.
• Allow uninterrupted rest and sleep to allow animals to recover from the trauma and stress.
• The disruption of routine activities can be the biggest cause of stress for your pets, so try to re-establish a normal schedule as quickly as you can.
• Comfort each other. The simple act of petting and snuggling can reduce anxiety for both people and pets.
• If you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup.

What to do if your animals are lost:

• Physically check animal control and animal shelters DAILY for lost animals. Some emergency response agencies may also use social media (Facebook, etc.) to post information about lost and found animals.
• Post waterproof lost animal notices and notify local law enforcement, animal care and control officials, veterinarians, and your neighbors of any lost animals (utilize online resources for lost and found animals).
• If your animal is lost and has a microchip, notify the microchip registry that your animal is missing.

Be prepared for a disaster with a pet evacuation kit. Assemble the kit well in advance of any emergency and store in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container close to an exit.

Food and medicine

• 3-7 days’ worth of food*
• Hand-operated can opener for canned food
• Two-week supply of medicine*
• At least 7 days’ supply of water
• Collapsible feeding dish and water bowl
• Liquid dish soap

*These items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire

First aid kit

• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage tape and scissors
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Flea and tick prevention
• Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Saline solution
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

See all first aid kit tips

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
• Dog poop disposal bags
• Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership and microchip number, if applicable
• Medical records and medication instructions
• Emergency contact cards, including veterinarian and pharmacy
• Photo of your pet (preferably with you)

Travel supplies

• Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Muzzle

Comfort items

• Favorite toys and treats
• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

Download a printable version of this checklist (also in Spanish: Kit de evacuación para mascotas).

Learn more on what to pack from the ASPCA.

Prepare your emergency contact list now, before disaster strikes. You may need it during a disaster or while evacuating, and rescue personnel responding to a disaster affecting your pets may need it, too. Keep a copy with your evacuation kit.

Include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers, if available. If you use the Medical ID function on your mobile device, be sure one of the contacts is aware of your pet disaster plan.

A thorough emergency contact list includes:

• Numbers where you can be reached
• Location of your prearranged evacuation sites
• Local emergency contact person if you aren’t available
• Out-of-state emergency contact person
• Your veterinarian’s name, clinic name, and phone number
• Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
• Boarding facility (local)
• Boarding facility (30-90 miles away)
• Hotels that allow pets (90-mile radius)
• Local animal control agency
• Local police department
• Local fire department
• Local public health department
• Local Red Cross chapter
• List of internet and social media “lost and found” animal sites
• Local municipal animal shelter, local humane society, or local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA)

Download emergency contact cards for pets and livestock

Follow these tips to help your pets recover after a disaster situation:

• Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards.
• Examine your animals closely, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe injuries or signs of illness.
• Remember that familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and this can confuse your animals.
• Release cats, dogs, and other small animals indoors only. They could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris if allowed outside unsupervised and unrestrained.
• Release birds and reptiles only if necessary and only when they are calm and in an enclosed room.
• Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions if animals have been without food for a prolonged period of time.
• Allow uninterrupted rest and sleep to allow animals to recover from the trauma and stress.
• The disruption of routine activities can be the biggest cause of stress for your pets, so try to re-establish a normal schedule as quickly as you can.
• Comfort each other. The simple act of petting and snuggling can reduce anxiety for both people and pets.
• If you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup.

What to do if your animals are lost:

• Physically check animal control and animal shelters DAILY for lost animals. Some emergency response agencies may also use social media (Facebook, etc.) to post information about lost and found animals.
• Post waterproof lost animal notices and notify local law enforcement, animal care and control officials, veterinarians, and your neighbors of any lost animals (utilize online resources for lost and found animals).
• If your animal is lost and has a microchip, notify the microchip registry that your animal is missing.