Pet Health Library

Emergency Planning Guide and Pet Emergency Kit Checklist

Updated: 8/3/26

Emergencies can happen with little warning. Severe weather, flooding, wildfires, power outages, and other unexpected events can make it difficult to care for or safely evacuate with your pet. Preparing in advance can help you act quickly and confidently when every moment matters. Use this emergency planning guide to create a plan for your pet, then review the checklist at the bottom of the page to assemble a well-stocked pet emergency kit.

Pet Emergency Planning Guide Check ID Tags and Microchips Make sure your pet is microchipped and that the registry has your current information. Also confirm that your pet's ID tag is up to date and easy to read. Map Out Your Evacuation Plan Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and other safe places you could go if you need to leave your home. Make sure to share the plan with everyone in your household. Know Your Pet's Hiding Spots Frightened pets may retreat to familiar hiding places. Be aware of where your pet is likely to hide, and make sure everyone in your household knows where to look. AMC SINCE 1910 Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education Write Down Your Pet's Care Plan Record your pet's medications, medical conditions, feeding routine, behavioral needs, microchip number, and veterinary contacts. Keep printed and digital copies, along with recent photos of your pet, including one of your pet with you. Arrange for Backup Support Choose a trusted caregiver who can care for your pet if you are unable to do so. Make sure they can access your home, find your pet and supplies, and follow your written care instructions. Authorize them to make decisions if you cannot be reached. Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit Pack food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, and copies of veterinary records. Store documents in a waterproof bag, keep digital copies, and check the kit regularly for expired items.

Whether you’re building a kit from scratch or fine-tuning an existing one, let this handy checklist be your trusted guide. If you already have a kit, be sure to conduct regular inspections and swap out any expired items.

Download an Interactive Checklist

Pet Emergency Kit Category: Food & Water 7-day supply of food in an airtight container 3-day supply of water Bowls, liquid dish soap, manual can opener Category: Medication At least a 2-week supply of medication Dosage and administration instructions Category: Documents (keep in a waterproof bag) Microchip and license information Veterinary records with vaccination history Emergency contact list, including your veterinarian Photo of your pet (preferably with you) Category: Travel supplies Carrier or crate with your contact information Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash Portable litter box and litter (for cats) Favorite toys, travel bed Category: First aid materials Antibiotic ointment Adhesive tape, scissors, disposable gloves Non-stick bandage/wrap Absorbent gauze pads Saline solution Styptic powder (stops minor bleeding) Instant cold pack Digital thermometer Towels and a blanket Muzzle

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