Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners: How to Build a Pet Emergency Kit
When disasters strike, pets don’t understand what’s happening. They don’t know why routines change, why the house sounds different, or why their people are suddenly stressed. They rely entirely on you to keep them safe.
Emergency preparedness for pet owners goes far beyond basic first aid. It means planning ahead for evacuation, knowing how to safely shelter in place, and being ready to care for your pets before, during, and after events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, power outages, or other unexpected emergencies. The more prepared you are before a disaster, the calmer and safer your pets will be when it matters most.
This guide walks you through how to build a comprehensive pet emergency kit, create an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan, and understand key veterinary safety reminders so you’re not making decisions under pressure.
You can also download our First Aid Kit & Emergency Preparedness Checklist for a printable, easy-to-follow version of everything covered here. And, watch Dr. Cifranick’s video on what to do if you’re evacuating with your video.
How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency or Natural Disaster
Preparing Your Pet for an Emergency Starts Before the Storm
Whether you plan to shelter in place or evacuate, preparation must happen ahead of time. Once a storm is approaching or an evacuation order is issued, supplies may be unavailable, travel may be limited, and stress levels rise quickly.
As you build your emergency plan, start by asking yourself three important questions:
How would I find my pet if they became lost or escaped?
Do I have enough food, medications, and supplies for my pet if services are unavailable?
Can my pets come with me if I need to evacuate to a shelter, hotel, or another home?
If you’re unsure about any of these answers, that’s your sign to prepare now.
What To Include In A Pet Emergency Kit
A well-stocked pet emergency kit ensures you can respond quickly to injuries, stress, or evacuation. Store supplies in a portable, waterproof container, keep everything in a cool, dry place, and review the kit every six months.
Food & Water (3-7 days worth)
Plan for at least 3–7 days of food and water per pet. If you live in hurricane- or flood-prone areas and expect to shelter in place, 10–14 days is recommended.
Store dry food in airtight, waterproof containers.
Bring collapsible food and water bowls.
If using canned food, include a manual can opener.
Medications & Veterinary Records
Emergencies often mean limited access to pharmacies or veterinary clinics.
Keep at least one week (preferably more) of all medications (including flea, tick, heartworm preventatives).
Store medical records, vaccination history (especially rabies), and prescriptions in a waterproof bag.
If your pet is diabetic, plan ahead to keep insulin cool during power outages.
Pet Identification and Documentation
If you are separated from your pet during an emergency, proper identification can make the difference between a quick reunion and a heartbreaking outcome.
Ensure your pet’s microchip information is up to date (learn how here).
Make sure ID tags are readable and include your current phone number.
Consider adding a ByteTag to your pet’s collar. ByteTag is a smart QR ID tag that allows anyone who finds your pet to instantly access your contact information without the need for a microchip scanner. All of our pets have ByteTags! 👉 Use discount code WOOFDOCTOR when purchasing a ByteTag.
In addition to identification, keep printed copies of important paperwork in a waterproof container, including:
Pet registration or adoption papers
Vaccination records (especially rabies)
Medical records and prescriptions
Feeding schedules or special health needs
Preventatives (flea, tick, heartworm)
Microchip information
A recent photo of you and your pet together in case you become separated
Do not rely on online portals or cloud storage alone. During disasters, internet and power access may be limited or unavailable.
First Aid Supplies
A pet first aid kit allows you to address minor injuries until veterinary care is available. At a minimum, include:
Flashlight/headlamp (with batteries), emergency contact numbers, recent photo of your pet (for identification), pillowcase (for restraining cats), first aid manual.
Make an Evacuation Plan
The Route
Before you evacuate, keep leashes, harnesses, and carriers easily accessible near exits so pets can be secured quickly. When loading pets into the car, ensure dogs remain leashed and cats are contained in carriers at all times. Even calm pets may panic in unfamiliar or stressful situations and attempt to bolt.
Once in the vehicle, make sure your pet is safely secured using a carrier, crate, or appropriate pet restraint. This helps prevent injuries during sudden stops and reduces the risk of escape if you need to pull over or open a door along the way.
For longer car trips, plan ahead to support your pet’s comfort and safety:
Bring extra water, food, medications, and comfort items
Schedule regular stops for bathroom breaks, keeping pets leashed at all times
Never allow pets to roam freely in or outside the vehicle
Monitor for signs of stress, overheating, anxiety, or motion sickness
If you know your pet experiences travel anxiety or motion sickness, contact your veterinarian before an emergency occurs to discuss appropriate travel or anti-nausea medications. Planning ahead can make evacuations safer and far less stressful for your pet.
Not all destinations are pet-friendly, and many have specific requirements. Identify multiple options in advance so you are not making last-minute decisions under pressure.
Boarding Facilities and Veterinary Clinics
Create a list of boarding facilities and veterinary clinics that may be able to shelter pets during an emergency
Include 24-hour phone numbers and after-hours instructions
Ask ahead of time whether they accept pets during evacuations and what documentation is required
Staying with Family or Friends
Identify family members or friends who live outside your immediate area and would be willing to host you and your pets
Confirm ahead of time which pets they can accommodate
Share feeding routines, medication needs, and behavioral considerations to reduce stress on everyone involved
Hotels or Emergency Shelters
Not all shelters or accommodations accept pets, even during emergencies, and those that do often have specific requirements.
Research pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes
Call ahead to confirm:
Weight limits
Limits on the number of pets
Crating requirements
Whether medical records, waivers or exemptions are required
Be aware that emergency shelters that accept pets typically require pets to be crated and that you bring your own food and water
Label carriers with your pet’s name, medical needs, and your contact information. Ensure your. microchip details are up to date (learn how here).
A Buddy System
Emergencies don’t always happen when you’re home. A buddy system ensures someone can help your pets if you are away or unable to return home in time.
Choose trusted neighbors, friends, or family members
Exchange:
Contact information
Pet details and medical needs
Evacuation plans
House keys
Let them know:
Where carriers, leashes, and emergency supplies are stored
Your pet’s favorite hiding spots
Discuss expectations ahead of time so everyone knows when and how to act
A reliable buddy system can be lifesaving if pets need to be evacuated quickly and you are not there to do it yourself.
Know How To Shelter In Place
Sometimes evacuation isn’t necessary, but conditions can change quickly. If you are sheltering in place, keep pets close to you and be ready to evacuate if circumstances worsen.
Keep pets inside at all times. The safest place for pets in away from doors and windows, ideally in an interior room.
The safest place for pets is away from doors and windows, ideally in an interior room
Ensure your pets are wearing identidication.
Do not open doors or windows during the storm or disaster.
Keep dogs on leash and cats in carriers to prevent escapes if doors open unexpectedly.
Cover crates with blankets or sheets to reduce noise and visual stress.
Keep emergency supplies stored nearby and easily accessible.
Set up indoor potty options (extra litter boxes or puppy pads) if outdoor access is unavailable
Pets may behave differently during emergencies. Watch for trembling, hiding, pacing, vocalizing, drooling, or changes in appetite. Familiar items, enrichment toys, pheromones, or veterinarian-approved calming aids can help reduce anxiety. Even music may help calm your pet.
To learn more, visit our blog for guidance on how to create a safe space for your pet and how to choose the right CBD to help keep them calm during stressful events. Many of the same strategies we recommend to help mitigate firework anxiety will also work for storms or disasters. Read our blogs for dogs and cats.
You can also explore our recommended products page for calming products, enrichment activities, and other tools designed to help keep pets comfortable, engaged, and secure during stressful situations.
Prepare Your Car
Regardless of whether you plan to evacuate or shelter in place, your vehicle should always be ready for evacuation. Emergencies can escalate quickly, and having your car prepared ahead of time allows you to leave safely without scrambling for supplies.
Keep a smaller “go kit” in your vehicle with basic food, water, first aid, leash, and comfort items.
Ensure food, water, and medications in your car kit are kept cool or replace them once a month, especially in hot weather.
Include a list of local emergency vets and shelters.
After The Storm/Disaster
Once the immediate danger has passed, take time to carefully assess your environment before allowing pets outside.
Check your yard for harmful debris and make sure all gates and fences are secure. Even familiar environments can feel unsettling after a disaster, and pets may be more jumpy or prone to bolting than usual.
Watch for hazards like floodwater, debris, broken glass, and downed powerlines.
Keep pets leashed, even in fenced yards. For added security, consider using two leashes to reduce the risk of escape.
Do not leave pets unattended while things stabilize. Close supervision during this period helps keep them safe while routines and environments return to normal.
Practice & Update
Preparedness is not a one-time task.
Review your emergency plan and check your kits every 6 months.
Replace expired supplies and rotate food/water.
Conduct practice drills: crate your pets, do quick leash-ups, and rehearse loading into the car.
Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for fast, reliable tips on-the-go. (Google Play & Apple).
Being proactive now means less fear and more control when emergencies happen. Your pets count on you! Get prepared, stay prepared, and keep your plan updated so you’re always ready.
Where Can I Learn More?
Download the full WoofDoctor on Wheels First Aid Kit & Emergency Preparedness Checklisthere.
See which products WoofDoctor on Wheels to help keep your pet calm and busy:
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss first aid, emergency preparedness, or first aid kits for your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Cifranick online, or you can schedule a virtual appointment directly with Cheryl here.
About WoofDoctor on Wheels
WoofDoctor on Wheels is a mobile veterinary practice providing high-quality, compassionate care right in the comfort of your home. By eliminating car rides and waiting rooms, mobile care reduces stress for pets and allows for more personalized, unhurried visits for the pets under our care.
We proudly serve pet families throughout the Lowcountry, including Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and more. You can view our full service area here.
We provide all the standard care you would expect from a traditional veterinary clinic, including preventive exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, in-house lab testing, sick visits, end-of-life services, and more. We also offer surgical services such as spay and neuter, dental cleanings, and more. Learn more about our services here.
To learn more about how mobile veterinary care works with WoofDoctor on Wheels, visit here.
Our Mission
Our goal is simple: make veterinary care more accessible, less stressful, and better aligned with your pet’s real-life needs. Our blog allows us to share important educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after using them, we earn a small commission, which helps support this blog at no cost to you. Keep in mind, we only link to quality products we use ourselves and feel are beneficial for our clients and patients.
Please be advised that VIRTUAL appointments with **Cheryl Miller** are exclusively available to **existing clients** of WoofDoctor On Wheels for pets that have been seen by Dr. Cifranick within the last year.
