What to Put in a Pet Emergency Kit Before Disaster Strikes

A pet emergency kit holds the documents, supplies, and information you need to keep your animals safe and findable if you have to leave home fast

When you evacuate because of fire, flood, or severe weather, you will have minutes to gather what matters. A kit assembled now means you grab one bag instead of scrambling to remember your dog's microchip number or find three months of medication. The kit sits in one place — a closet, a carrier, a waterproof bin — so every adult in your household knows where it is.

The core of the kit is documents: proof of ownership, medical records, and photos. Around that go the physical supplies your pet needs for 72 hours away from home. The third piece is information — where you can go, what you will need to tell shelters, how to get your pet back if you are separated.

Key Takeaways

• Keep copies of vaccination records, microchip numbers, and a recent photo of each pet in a waterproof folder that stays packed and ready.
• Pack a 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, and any medical equipment your pet uses, stored in a carrier or bin you can grab in seconds.
• Write down your veterinarian's name and phone number, your pet's microchip registry information, and the phone numbers of boarding facilities or shelters that might take your pet if you cannot stay together.
• Keep a collar, leash, and carrier for each pet in the kit or immediately next to it, so you do not have to search for them during evacuation.
• Store the kit in a place every household member knows about, and tell your pet sitter or anyone who watches your pet where the kit is located.

Documents and identification to pack

Start with a folder — waterproof if possible, or in a plastic bag inside your kit — that holds proof your pet is yours and what medical care it needs. Include a copy of your pet's microchip registration paperwork, which shows the microchip number and the registry company. If your pet gets lost and a shelter scans the chip, that number is how they find you. Write the microchip number on a card and keep it in your wallet as well.

Add copies of vaccination records, especially rabies certification. Shelters and boarding facilities will ask for these. If your pet takes medication, include a copy of the prescription or a list of the medication name, dose, and how often it is given. If your pet has a medical condition — diabetes, heart disease, seizures — write a one-page summary of the condition and what to watch for. A veterinarian can help you write this.

Take a recent color photo of each pet from the side, showing any distinctive markings, scars, or collar. If your pet is lost, this photo is what you will show people and post online. Print it and keep it in the folder. If you have multiple pets, label each photo with the pet's name, age, and any identifying details.

Food, water, and medication for 72 hours

Pack enough food for three days in an airtight container or sealed bag. If your pet eats wet food, canned food travels better than fresh. Include a manual can opener if you pack canned food. Bring a collapsible bowl or use a plastic container for food and water.

Pack at least one gallon of water per pet for three days, or bring water purification tablets and a way to carry water. If you evacuate to a shelter or hotel, water may be limited. A collapsible water container takes up less space than bottles.

If your pet takes medication, pack a 30-day supply in the original labeled bottles, along with written instructions for dosing. Include any medical equipment: an inhaler for a cat with asthma, a glucose meter and lancets for a diabetic dog, a feeding syringe for a pet that cannot eat on its own. Pack any special food your pet needs — prescription diet, food for allergies, or supplements.

Carriers, collars, and leashes

You cannot evacuate with a loose pet. Keep a carrier or crate for each pet in the kit or stored right next to it. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around. If you have a cat, a hard-sided carrier is easier to secure in a car than a soft one. If you have a large dog, a wire crate or travel pen may be more practical than a carrier.

Pack a collar and leash for each pet, even if your pet normally wears a harness. Keep them in the kit so you do not have to hunt for them. If your pet wears a harness, pack that too. Include a recent ID tag with your phone number, or write your phone number on a temporary tag you can attach quickly.

If you have a small pet like a rabbit or guinea pig, pack a travel cage or carrier that is secure and well-ventilated. Small animals are easy to lose in the chaos of evacuation.

Information to write down and keep in the kit

Write a card with your veterinarian's name, address, and phone number. Include the after-hours emergency clinic number if your vet has one. If you evacuate far from home, you may need to find a new veterinarian, so also write down how to find an emergency vet in an unfamiliar area — for example, search "emergency vet near me" or call the local animal shelter.

List the name and phone number of your pet's microchip registry. The major registries are HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, and 24PetWatch, but there are others. If you do not know which registry your pet is in, call your veterinarian. Write down the microchip number itself on this card.

Write down the phone numbers of boarding facilities, kennels, or shelters in your area that might take your pet if you have to evacuate. Call ahead during non-emergency times to ask their evacuation policies — do they take owner-surrendered pets, do they board during disasters, what do they charge. Some facilities fill up fast during evacuations.

If you have a friend or family member outside your evacuation zone who could take your pet, write down their name and phone number. During a disaster, you may not be able to reach them, but having the number in your kit means you do not have to search for it.

Special supplies for specific pets

If you have a bird, pack a travel cage, food, water, and perches. Birds are sensitive to stress and temperature change, so include a blanket to drape over the cage if it gets loud or cold. If you have a reptile, pack a heat lamp, substrate, and a secure container — reptiles can escape easily and are hard to recapture.

If you have a pet with anxiety, include any calming medication or supplement your veterinarian has prescribed. If your pet wears a thundershirt or anxiety wrap, pack that. If your pet is very old or has mobility issues, include any ramps, steps, or mobility aids it uses at home.

If you have a pet that is aggressive or fearful around strangers, write a note about this and keep it in the kit. Shelters and rescuers need to know if a pet will bite or panic, so they can handle it safely.

Where to store the kit and how to keep it current

Store the kit in a closet, cabinet, or storage area that every adult in your household can reach. A waterproof bin or a large carrier works well. Label it clearly — "Pet Emergency Kit" — so anyone looking for it can find it. If you have a pet sitter or someone who watches your pet, tell them where the kit is.

Check the kit twice a year — when you change your clocks for daylight saving time is a good reminder. Replace food and water if they have expired. Update photos if your pet has changed appearance. Refresh medications if they are nearing expiration. If your pet's medical condition or medications have changed, update the medical summary card.

Keep a second copy of your pet's photo and microchip number in your car, your wallet, or on your phone. If you are separated from your pet during evacuation, you will have this information with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have multiple pets and cannot fit everything in one kit?

Use one large bin or bag for shared supplies like food and water, and keep individual folders for each pet's documents and medications. Label each folder clearly. You can grab the whole bin plus individual folders in seconds. If you have more than four pets, consider dividing supplies into two bins so one person can carry them.

Do I need to keep the kit in a carrier, or can I use a regular bag?

A regular waterproof bag or bin works fine for documents and supplies. Keep carriers separate but nearby — in a closet or garage where you can reach them quickly. If you keep carriers in the kit itself, you will not have room for food and water.

What if my pet's medication needs to be refrigerated?

Pack the medication in an insulated bag with an ice pack, and keep it in the kit. Replace the ice pack every few months so it stays frozen. If you evacuate, bring a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep medication cold during travel. Ask your veterinarian if the medication can be stored at room temperature for short periods in an emergency.

Should I microchip my pet if I do not have one yet?

Yes. A microchip is a permanent form of identification that works even if your pet loses its collar. Your veterinarian can implant one in minutes. After implantation, register the chip with a microchip registry and keep the registration current. If you move or change your phone number, update your registration so the registry can reach you if your pet is found.

What if I evacuate and cannot take my pet with me?

Before disaster strikes, research pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, and rescue organizations in your area that accept owner-surrendered pets during emergencies. Keep their phone numbers in your kit. If you must leave your pet behind, leave food, water, and a note with your contact information. Close interior doors so your pet can find shelter, and leave a window or door slightly open if it is safe to do so.