Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require everything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of crisis requires different measures to keep your family safe, including your four-legged friends.

Pets are family members too, and to help ensure you and your entire family are prepared, experts recommend having an emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit.

Having an emergency bag ready to go with necessary documents and emergency supplies can help ensure your pet stays safe in any situation including storms, flooding, downed power lines, and debris.

Consider packing your emergency essentials ahead of time so you’ll be able to leave quickly without forgetting any important supplies. Your emergency bag should be easy for you to transport in case of evacuation.

What should be in a go bag? We've got you covered with the recommended go bag essentials you should include for your fur bud.

Emergency Go Bag Packing List

Here’s what to pack in your emergency go bag, according to the ASPCA.

Pet first aid kit:

This includes much of the same types of items you would find in a human medical kit: tweezers, gauze, bandages, scissors, alcohol, antiseptic cream, etc. 

Canned/dry food/ treats:

(7+ days worth) and collapsible feeding bowls.

Bottled water:

(3-7 days worth) and collapsible water bowls.

Spare collar/harness with ID tag, rabies tag, and a leash:

Because we all lose important things sometimes, especially when we’re stressed! Be sure to have proper tags and identification on the extra collar.

Folding crate or pet carrier:

Depending on the size of the pet and the size of the emergency, pet carriers or crates may be invaluable. It will help keep your pet contained and controlled, especially in a vehicle.

Blanket or an easy to carry bed:

A blanket or some other bedding your pet is familiar with will go a long way to keeping him as calm as possible. A blanket can also serve to hold an angry cat! We love our PupRug™ Portable Orthopedic Dog Bed, of course. 

This dog bed combines the comfort of human-grade memory foam with the flexibility that comes with travel. Simply roll it up, tie it, and go! This bed is perfect for road trips, spur of the moment car rides, and any natural disaster you may encounter. Always keep a bed like this in your pet’s emergency go bag.

Photocopy and/or USB drive of health records and your vet’s contact info:

If you wind up at a shelter, it is likely they will not let your pet in without proof that they are  up-to-date on all vaccinations. Keep a copy of important vet records in your pets' go bags and update them as needed.

Medication and flea treatment: 

Be sure to grab any medications your pet takes regularly on the way out the door!

If You Evacuate

Additionally, the ASPCA recommends putting Animals Inside alert stickers on your home windows to let rescue personnel know you have a pet in the home. Write “Evacuated” across the sticker if you evacuate with your animals.

Be sure to evacuate early so that you and your pets will be able to get to safety before the disaster hits. If you are sheltering at home, hunker down in a protected room or basement and make sure to have your emergency gear on hand.

When an emergency strikes, your pets need to count on you for protection. By prepping early, you can be sure that your pets are safe, prepared, and ready for anything.

For more resources like this one, visit our blog.