Pet Emergency Preparedness Guide
A disaster plan for your pet takes 30 minutes to make and can save their life. Here's exactly what to do.
Create Your Pet's Emergency Passport63%
of pet owners lack an emergency plan
500,000+
pets displaced by disasters annually
3-day
supply minimum in emergency kit
Microchip
triples reunion chances
Your Pet Emergency Kit: What to Pack
- 3–5 days of food and bottled water in a waterproof container
- All medications (30-day supply if possible) with written dosage instructions
- Vaccination records and your Afinderly Pet Passport link — accessible offline too
- A pet carrier appropriate for emergency transport
- Familiar blanket or worn clothing item for comfort during displacement
- Recent photo of you with your pet — critical if separated and reuniting at a shelter
- Collapsible bowls, leashes, poop bags, cat litter and pan (for cats)
- List of pet-friendly hotels and emergency shelters within 100 miles
Emergency Evacuation Planning
- Identify pet-friendly emergency shelters in your county before you need them
- Plan two evacuation routes in different directions — disasters close roads
- Designate an out-of-area contact who can coordinate if you can't communicate locally
- Know your nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic and have the number saved
- Practice loading your pet into the carrier monthly — emergency loading is not the time to learn
If You Get Separated from Your Pet
- Post an Afinderly lost pet alert immediately — with your pet's photo, last seen location, and contact info
- Contact every shelter within 50 miles by phone within 24 hours — don't just check websites
- Share on Facebook, Nextdoor, and local community groups with your pet's photo
- Your microchip registration is only useful if your contact info is current — check it now
- Place a piece of worn clothing near last seen location — your scent may draw them back
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be in my pet's emergency kit?
3–5 days of food and water, medications, vaccination records, a pet carrier, a comfort item, and a photo of you with your pet. Store in a waterproof bag you can grab in under 2 minutes.
How do I find pet-friendly emergency shelters?
Contact your county emergency management office — they maintain lists of pet-friendly disaster shelters. Many Red Cross shelters have separate pet areas. Add the numbers to your phone now.
What if I have to evacuate and can't take my pet?
This is why having a network matters. Identify a trusted neighbor, friend, or boarding facility who can take your pet in an emergency. Have this conversation before you need it.
How does microchipping help in emergencies?
Microchips are scanned by shelters and vets when an unidentified animal arrives. A current registration (correct phone number) means the shelter calls you directly. Check your registration at petmicrochiplookup.org.
