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Key takeaways

• Many public shelters and hotels don't accept pets (service animals are the exception), so arrange a pet-friendly destination in advance (Ready.gov).
• Pets hide when scared — build extra evacuation time to find and crate them.
• Pet kit: 3+ days of food and water (two weeks for sheltering at home), medications, vaccination records, one carrier per pet, and a leash.
• ID is everything if you're separated: a collar tag, an up-to-date microchip, and recent photos of you with your pet (Ready.gov).
• Never leave pets behind — if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for them (American Red Cross).

When you build your family's emergency plan, your pets are family too, and they can't pack for themselves. A dedicated pet emergency kit, plus a plan that accounts for the fact that many emergency shelters can't accept animals, is the difference between evacuating calmly with your whole household and a frantic, dangerous scramble at the worst possible moment.

Why do pets need their own emergency plan?

• They depend entirely on you — they can't find food, water, or safety on their own.
• They hide when frightened, so build extra time into any evacuation to find and secure them.
• Public emergency shelters often can't take pets (service animals are the exception), so you have to arrange pet-friendly options in advance. Both Ready.gov and the American Red Cross recommend planning this ahead of time.

What should be in a pet emergency kit?

Food, water, and bowls

Keep at least three days of food (up to two weeks is better for sheltering at home) in an airtight, waterproof container, plus a manual can opener for canned food. Add a supply of water and collapsible travel bowls.

Medication and medical records

Pack any medications your pet takes, plus their vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag (and a digital copy). Include your veterinarian's contact information and the number of a vet outside your immediate area.

Carriers, leashes, and restraint

Have one carrier per pet, large enough for the animal to stand and turn around, and a sturdy leash or harness. For cats and small animals, choose a secure carrier they can't bolt from in a panic.

ID and "lost pet" prep

• A collar with a current ID tag.
• A microchip with up-to-date registration details — Ready.gov recommends microchipping your pet and keeping your contact information current.
• Recent photos of you with your pet, both to prove ownership and to make "lost pet" flyers if you're separated.
• A written description of each pet.

Comfort and sanitation

Litter and a tray (or waste bags), a familiar toy or blanket to reduce stress, towels, and basic cleaning supplies.

How do you evacuate with pets?

• Never leave pets behind. If it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for them.
• Pre-identify pet-friendly options: hotels that accept animals, boarding facilities, or friends and family outside your area.
• Keep carriers accessible and practice getting nervous pets into them quickly.
• Place a pet-rescue alert sticker on a front window so first responders know animals are inside.

How do pet needs change by disaster?

The threat shapes the plan. A wildfire may give you only minutes, so pair this with our 15-minute wildfire evacuation checklist. A hurricane usually gives days of warning but brings flooding. If you're in a flood- or hurricane-prone city like Houston or Miami, waterproof your pet's documents and arrange a pet-friendly destination early in the season.

Want a plan that covers every member of your household, including the four-legged ones? Take the free 2-minute ReadyAF risk assessment. It factors in your location's real risks and helps you build a kit that doesn't forget your pets.