How to Make a Pet Disaster Plan Before an Emergency Happens

What a pet disaster plan actually includes

A pet disaster plan is a written record of what you will do with your pets if you have to leave your home quickly — and the supplies and information you need to make that happen. It is not a form you fill out once and forget. It is a document you build now, update twice a year, and keep where you can grab it in the dark.

The plan has three parts: a list of where your pets can go (boarding facilities, friends, shelters, hotels that take animals), a kit of supplies packed and ready to move, and copies of documents that prove ownership and medical history. When an evacuation order comes, you do not have time to search for your dog's vaccination records or figure out which boarding place has space. You need those answers already written down.

Most people think a disaster plan means a hurricane or wildfire. It also means a house fire, a gas leak that forces evacuation, a flood, a chemical spill, or a medical emergency that puts you in the hospital. Any event that makes your home unsafe or unreachable for hours or days is a disaster for your pet.

Key Takeaways

• Write down three to five places your pets can stay — boarding facilities, trusted friends, pet-friendly hotels, or shelters — and call each one now to confirm they take animals during emergencies.
• Pack a go-bag with at least two weeks of food, water, medications, a litter box or waste bags, and a carrier or crate for each pet, and keep it accessible and clearly labeled.
• Gather copies of vaccination records, microchip numbers, medical history, and recent photos of each pet, and store them in a waterproof container or digital folder you can access from anywhere.
• Update your plan twice a year — when clocks change — and tell at least one person outside your household where your plan is and what it says.
• If you cannot take your pet with you, leave written instructions, food, water, and a way for rescuers to access the animal safely.

Finding places your pets can go

Start by calling boarding facilities, kennels, and pet sitters in your area and ask them directly: "Do you have a plan for taking animals during a local emergency?" Many do not. Some will take only dogs, or only cats, or have size limits. Some require that your pet has boarded with them before. Write down the ones that say yes, their phone numbers, and what they need from you (vaccination records, feeding instructions, behavior notes).

Ask friends or family members who live outside your immediate area — ideally in a different town — whether they would take your pets if you had to evacuate. Get their address, phone number, and any requirements they have (allergies, space, pet experience). Write this down even if they say yes verbally; people forget, and you need it in writing.

Check whether pet-friendly hotels operate in your area. Many chains allow animals, but policies vary by location and change. Call ahead and ask what they charge, what size and type of animals they take, and whether they have availability during peak evacuation times (hurricane season, fire season). Some will not have rooms available when you need them most.

Research local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Many run emergency sheltering programs during disasters, though space is limited and they may not take pets from outside their service area. Get their phone number and ask what their emergency protocol is. Some shelters will only take animals if you surrender them; others will board them temporarily and return them when it is safe.

Building your pet go-bag and supplies

Pack a container or bag for each pet that holds at least two weeks of food in sealed, labeled bags or containers. Include the brand and type — "Purina Pro Plan Chicken, dry" — so you can replace it if you run out. Pack bottled water or a way to carry water from your evacuation site. If your pet eats wet food or requires special diet, pack extra; you may not be able to buy the same brand where you end up.

Include all medications in their original bottles, with labels showing the pet's name, the medication name, and the dose. Pack a written list of what medications your pet takes, when, and why. If your pet uses insulin or other time-sensitive medication, pack twice what you think you will need and keep it in a cool place.

Pack a carrier, crate, or travel cage for each pet. If your pet is large or you have multiple animals, this takes space — plan for it now rather than scrambling during an evacuation. Include a collar, leash, and ID tags with your current phone number. Microchip your pet if you have not already, and make sure the microchip registry has your current contact information.

Add a litter box and litter (for cats), waste bags (for dogs), food and water bowls, a blanket or bed, and any comfort items your pet recognizes — a toy, a piece of your clothing. Pack a basic first-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, nail clippers, and any supplies your pet's medical condition requires. Label everything clearly with your pet's name.

Store this bag in an accessible place — a closet near your door, a garage shelf, under your bed — somewhere you can grab it in under a minute. Check it twice a year (when you change the clocks) to replace expired food, rotate medications, and make sure nothing has spoiled or been borrowed.

Gathering documents and photos

Collect copies of vaccination records for each pet, especially rabies and DHPP (for dogs) or FVRCP (for cats). Your veterinarian can print these; ask for multiple copies. Write down your pet's microchip number and the name of the microchip registry (HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, 24PetWatch, or another). Call the registry and confirm your contact information is current.

Get a copy of your pet's medical history from your veterinarian, including any chronic conditions, allergies, medications, and behavioral notes. Write down your veterinarian's name, phone number, and after-hours emergency clinic information. If your pet has special needs — anxiety medication, a heart condition, dietary restrictions — write those down in plain language.

Take recent photos of each pet from multiple angles, including any distinctive markings, scars, or identifying features. If your pet is microchipped, take a photo of the microchip number on the paperwork. Store these photos in a waterproof container (a ziplock bag works) along with printed copies of documents, or keep them in a digital folder you can access from your phone or email.

Write down your pet's name, species, breed, age, color, weight, and any other identifying information. Include a physical description that someone unfamiliar with your pet could use to recognize them — "orange tabby cat with white chest and left ear notch" is more useful than "orange cat."

What to do if you cannot take your pet with you

If an evacuation order does not allow pets or you cannot reach your pet in time, leave written instructions for rescuers. Write your name, phone number, and the number of pets in the home on a large piece of paper and tape it to your front door. Include the location of each pet (bedroom, basement, garage) and any special needs or behavior warnings.

Leave food and water accessible — bowls in multiple rooms if possible. Leave the bathroom door open so your pet can access a toilet if needed. If you have time, leave a carrier or crate open with a blanket inside as a shelter. Do not lock your pet in a room or crate; rescuers need to be able to find and reach them.

If you have a microchip, make sure the registry has your current phone number and a backup contact. Rescuers will scan found animals for microchips, and that is how they will find you. If you have a collar with ID tags, leave it on your pet even if you normally remove it indoors.

Updating your plan twice a year

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the day you change the clocks — spring forward and fall back. On those days, review your disaster plan: check that phone numbers are still current, that boarding facilities still take animals, that friends still live at the same address, that medications have not expired, and that your pet's weight and medical information are still accurate.

If you move, change veterinarians, get a new pet, or lose a pet, update your plan immediately. If a friend or family member moves away, find a replacement. If a boarding facility closes, find another. A plan that is six months out of date is almost as useless as no plan at all.

Tell at least one person outside your household — a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor — where your disaster plan is kept and what it says. If you are injured or unable to communicate during an evacuation, that person can help your pets get to safety. Give them a copy of the plan or tell them exactly where to find it.

Preparing your pets for travel and stress

If your pet has never traveled in a carrier or ridden in a car, start practicing now. Take short trips to get them used to the motion and the carrier. Some pets become anxious or sick during travel; your veterinarian can discuss options like calming supplements or medication if your pet needs it.

Practice putting your pet in a carrier quickly and calmly. During an actual evacuation, you will be stressed and in a hurry. If your pet is not used to the carrier, getting them inside will take longer and be harder for both of you. Spend time now making the carrier a normal, non-threatening part of your pet's environment.

If your pet is elderly, very young, pregnant, or has a medical condition, talk to your veterinarian about evacuation planning. Some conditions require special handling during travel or stress. Your vet can give you specific advice for your pet's situation and may recommend supplies or medications to have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find a boarding facility that will take my pet during a disaster?

Call your local animal shelter and ask about their emergency boarding program. Many shelters will temporarily house pets from evacuated homes, though space is limited. Ask whether they require advance registration or have any restrictions. If shelters in your area are full, ask whether they can refer you to rescue organizations or other facilities outside your immediate area.

Do I need to microchip my pet if they have an ID tag?

Yes. ID tags can fall off or become unreadable. A microchip is permanent and does not require batteries or maintenance. If your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff will scan for a microchip. Make sure the microchip registry has your current phone number and a backup contact.

How much food and water should I pack for my pet?

Pack at least two weeks of food and water for each pet. During a disaster, stores may be closed or out of stock, and you may not be able to leave your evacuation site to buy supplies. If your pet eats a special diet or prescription food, pack extra because you may not find it elsewhere.

What if my pet has anxiety or behavioral problems during travel?

Talk to your veterinarian before a disaster happens. They can discuss calming supplements, medications, or other strategies to help your pet stay calm during evacuation and travel. Practice short trips with your pet now so they become more comfortable with the carrier and car rides.

Should I leave my pet at home if I cannot take them with me?

Only as a last resort, and only if you have time to leave instructions and supplies. Leave your name and phone number on your front door, food and water in multiple rooms, and a carrier or shelter open for your pet. Do not lock your pet in a room or crate. If you have any time at all, contact a boarding facility, shelter, or trusted friend to see if they can help.