Top Ten Things You Need in Your Pet Emergency Kit

by | DIY, Pet Parent Education

You may already have an emergency/disaster kit for your family, but what about for your pet?

In times of emergencies, it’s easy to forget all the things your pet needs to successfully evacuate with you. If you haven’t already checked out our post about How To Build Your Own Pet First Aid Kit, it’s one of the first steps to building a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Kit.

Emergency preparedness kits are best stored by an exit in your home. This makes them convenient to grab before evacuating. Waterproof containers prevent water damage while providing a protective cover. If you can’t store items in a waterproof container, at the least, try to store the extra food you’ve set aside for your pets in a waterproof bag or case.

Remember items with expiration dates should be rotated out accordingly. This goes for food and medications.

Top Ten Things You Need in Your Pet Emergency Kit

1. Pet First Aid Kit

If you’re unsure what to put in your Pet First Aid Kit, take a look at our handy checklist here. 

2. Enough Pet Food for 3-7 Days

Food needs to be kept in a waterproof container or bag to keep from spoiling. It also needs to be rotated out according to expiration dates.

3. Transportation or Leash

– If you use a crate or carrier for transporting your pet, keep one near your kit.

– If your pet walks on a leash, be sure to include an extra one in your kit.

4. Recent Photos

Photos of your pet are important to keep with your kit in case you’re separated from your pet and need to make lost and found posters. Recent photos of you with your pet can prove ownership.

5. Toys, Comfort Items, or Accessories

Evacuating can be stressful on your pet, help anxious pets by providing familiar items. For dogs and cats, this might be blankets, toys, and treats. For exotic animals, this might be running wheels, salt licks, or treats.

7. Cage liners, poop bags, & potty pads

These items are useful for evacuating your dog.

6. Litter, disposable litter pan, & garbage bags

These items make it easier when evacuating your cat.

8. Replacement bedding, cage liners, paper towels, & garbage bags

These items make caring for your exotic pet easier when evacuating.

9. Family Emergency Kit

If you don’t already have a Disaster Preparedness Kit for your family, it’s wise to make one and keep it with your Pet Emergency Kit. If you need help building your family’s Disaster Preparedness Kit, look at this link to get started.

10. Pet Medications

This includes monthly preventative medication too! (We covered this in our Pet First Aid post, but it’s very important! This is especially true if your pet depends on a medication every day.)

Here are some other ways to make sure you’re prepared for any potential emergencies:

 – Make sure your pet has ID tags with a collar on.

 – If you haven’t already, microchip your pet!

 – If you plan to stay home during an evacuation, be sure to bring your pets inside to prevent disorientation.

 – Keep a written copy of feeding schedule, behavior issues, and medical conditions accessible.

 – Have a list of nearby kennels and shelters with phone numbers in case your pet is lost.

 – Familiarize yourself to your region’s native natural disasters to prepare for your kit properly. (Texas is prone to hurricanes, flooding, and tornados.)

 – Signal the number of pets in your home with a window tag. This is one available through Amazon. 

 – Always keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date! If you ever need to board your pet last minute, this will save you a lot of time and energy.

By investing a little time to make sure you’re fully prepared for any natural disaster or emergencies, you could save yourself a lot of trouble and stress in the future.