Can I take my pets to a public emergency shelter?

Most public emergency shelters do not accept pets (service animals are an exception under the ADA). The federal PETS Act requires states receiving FEMA funding to include pet evacuation in their plans, but implementation varies. Check with your county emergency management office for co-located pet shelters. Always have a backup plan.

How much food should I store for my dog?

A 3-day minimum: roughly 1 day's serving × 3 days per dog. For a 30 lb dog eating 2 cups/day, that's 6 cups (about 1.5 lbs of dry food). For a 7-day kit, multiply accordingly. Store in airtight containers — pet food bags are not airtight. Rotate every 6 months.

What do I do if my pet requires refrigerated medication?

Contact your vet about alternatives or emergency supplies. If the medication must be refrigerated: insulin stays stable at room temperature for about 28 days (check the specific medication). For longer outages, use a cooler with ice. Note: contact your state's emergency management office — some have cold storage programs for medical supplies including pet medications.

Is my pet's microchip enough for identification?

Microchips are essential but not sufficient on their own. The microchip only helps if: (1) it's registered in a searchable database with current contact info, (2) the scanner used is universal, and (3) someone scans the animal. Always combine with a visible ID tag on the collar and keep a current photo. Check your registration at lookup.foundanimals.org.

How do I keep cats calm during an emergency?

Familiar smells help: bring unwashed bedding. Feliway (synthetic feline pheromone spray) applied to the carrier 30 minutes before use reduces anxiety significantly. Keep the carrier out year-round so cats are comfortable with it. Cover the carrier with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation. Discuss anti-anxiety medications with your vet before an emergency if your cat is particularly prone to stress.

Emergency Planner

Emergency Kit with Pets — emergencyplanner.com

https://emergencyplanner.com

Printed: 3/25/2026

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Emergency Kit with Pets: Complete Dog & Cat Preparedness Guide

Emergency Kit with Pets: Complete Dog & Cat Preparedness Guide

Pets are family — and emergency preparedness for pet owners has unique requirements that generic checklists ignore. Most public emergency shelters are not pet-friendly. Evacuation with pets requires specific supplies and planning. And finding a lost pet after a disaster is harder than most people expect. This guide covers everything dog and cat owners need.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, FEMA, ASPCA guidance

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Food & Water

Dog food: 3-day supply per dogcritical
Store in airtight container. Rotate every 6 months. Dry food is lightest for evacuation; canned food has water content.
Ready.gov ↗
Cat food: 3-day supply per catcritical
Many cats prefer wet food — include a manual can opener.
Extra water for pets (0.5 gal/day per dog, 0.25/day per cat)(1.5–2 gal extra per 3-day kit)critical
Water added to your household total. Don't share your emergency drinking water.
Collapsible pet water bowls(1 per pet)critical
Lightweight and packable. Stainless steel is most durable.
Treats and familiar snacks
Familiar food reduces anxiety in stressed pets.

Mobility & Containment

Leash for each dog (plus backup leash)(2 per dog)critical
Attach a backup leash to your go-bag. Leashes break; panicked dogs bolt.
Ready.gov ↗
Sturdy carrier for each cat (IATA-approved)critical
Most emergency shelters require pets in carriers. Hard carriers are safer; soft carriers are lighter.
Cat harness and leash
For moving cats in/out of carriers safely.
Muzzle for dog (even gentle dogs panic during disasters)
A panicked dog may bite out of fear. A properly fitted muzzle is a safety tool.
Extra collar with current ID tagscritical
Tags must have current phone number. Put a backup contact on the tag.
Backup carrier or crate (collapsible)optional
Useful at shelters for longer stays.

Identification & Records

Recent photo of each pet (digital + printed)critical
If separated, you'll need a photo to post flyers or file a report. Show the photo to shelters.
ASPCA ↗
Vaccination records (printed, waterproof)critical
Required at most emergency shelters and boarding facilities. Keep in waterproof sleeve.
Vet contact info and emergency vet locationcritical
Your regular vet may be closed or inaccessible. Know the emergency vet clinic location.
Microchip registration current and verifiedcritical
Check that your pet's microchip is registered and your contact info is up to date. Most pets are found and reunited via microchip.
ASPCA ↗
Description card: breed, color, markings, weight, microchip #
Medications and medical conditions documentedcritical
Include dosing instructions on any prescription medications.

Pet Medications & Health

Prescription medications: 7-day supplycritical
Ask your vet for emergency supply authorization. Store with original label.
Flea and tick prevention (current month's dose)
Emergency environments expose pets to more pests.
Heartworm prevention (if due)
Pet first aid kit
Includes: gauze, non-stick bandages, hydrogen peroxide (inducing vomiting only per vet instructions), antiseptic wipes, digital thermometer.
ASPCA ↗
Any calming aids your vet has recommendedoptional
Some pets benefit from anti-anxiety medications during high-stress events. Discuss with your vet before an emergency.

Shelter Planning

Most public emergency shelters do NOT accept pets. Plan now.

Identify pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation routescritical
Check BringFido.com or similar. Call ahead — pet policies change.
Ready.gov ↗
Find pet-friendly emergency shelters in your countycritical
Some counties have co-located pet shelters. Check with local emergency management.
Identify friends/family outside your area who can shelter your petscritical
A backup network is your most reliable option.
Know local boarding facilities and their emergency policies
Some boarding facilities prioritize existing clients during disasters.

Comfort & Stress Reduction

Familiar bedding or blanket (unwashed, carries home scent)
Familiar smells reduce pet stress significantly.
Favorite toy or chew
Litter box + litter for cats (1 per cat)critical
Compact travel litter boxes exist. Even a box with a garbage bag liner works.
Poop bags (dogs)(20+)critical

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Detailed Guidance

The #1 Mistake: Leaving Pets Behind

Studies consistently show that a significant number of people refuse to evacuate or return too early to dangerous situations because they won't leave their pets. The solution is preparation, not bravery: 1. Know where your pets can go before you need to know. 2. Always evacuate with your pets — do not leave them behind hoping to return quickly. 3. Have a carrier accessible (not in the back of a closet). 4. Keep your pet's go-bag separate and labeled so it's grab-and-go. If you truly cannot take your pet: - Leave them inside (safer than chained outside) - Leave 5-7 days of food and water accessible - Put a sign on your door noting pets inside, their location, your contact number, and your vet's number - Contact neighbors, local shelters, and animal rescue groups immediately Source: Ready.gov, ASPCA

Reuniting with a Lost Pet After a Disaster

Despite your best efforts, pets may escape during evacuations. Act fast: Within 24 hours: 1. File a report with local animal shelters, animal control, and humane societies 2. Post on Nextdoor, Facebook community groups, and apps like PawBoost 3. Print physical flyers with a clear photo and post in the area where your pet was last seen 4. Contact your microchip registry with your new temporary contact info Within the week: - Visit shelters in person daily — volunteer descriptions are unreliable - Post in the Lost Dogs/Cats of [Your City] Facebook groups - Check the area at dawn and dusk (when pets are most active) Most lost pets are found within 2 miles of where they went missing. Source: ASPCA