PREPPING FOR PETS:

Why It’s Important to Prepare for Your Pet

Many emergency shelters and evacuation places don’t allow pets. If you leave your pet behind during a disaster, they can get lost, hurt, or scared. That’s why it’s so important to include your pet in your emergency plan.

By getting ready ahead of time, you can:

• Stay together with your pet

• Keep your pet safe and healthy

• Feel less stressed — and so will your pet

Did you know? The ASPCA says more than 30% of pet owners leave their pets behind during evacuations because they weren’t ready. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

1. Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit ready for your pet can help keep them safe, healthy, and calm if a disaster happens. Here's a simple checklist of what to pack:

✅Basic Needs:

• Food: Pack 3–7 days’ worth of dry or canned pet food. Store it in a sealed container and check it every 3 months to keep it fresh.

• Water: Bring at least 1 gallon of water per pet for 3 days.

• Bowls: Use collapsible or lightweight bowls to save space.

✅Health & Safety:

• Medications: Bring a 2-week supply of any medicine your pet needs. Include clear instructions on how and when to give it.

• Pet First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, gloves, and pet-safe ointment.

• Medical Records & Vaccines: Keep paper copies in a waterproof bag and save digital copies on your phone in case you need to show proof.

✅Comfort & Identification:

• Leash, Harness & Carrier: Bring strong, comfortable gear so you can move your pet safely and keep them secure.

• Favorite Toy & Blanket: Familiar items help calm your pet and reduce stress.

• ID Tags & Microchip Info: Make sure your pet’s ID tags have your current phone number, and check that your microchip info is up to date online.

✅Other Smart Items

• Emergency Contact List: Write down your vet’s number, nearby animal shelters, and a backup contact person.

• Recent Pet Photos: Bring printed or digital photos in case you get separated and need to prove ownership.

✅Recommended Product:

EVERLIT Pet Medic First Aid Kit – Includes a first aid kit and leash. Perfect for quick grab-and-go

2. Prepare for Evacuation

Disasters can happen without warning — fires, floods, hurricanes, or even chemical spills. Having a plan in place that includes your pet can be the difference between keeping them safe or losing them during an emergency.

Here’s how to get ready in a smart and simple way:

✅Know Where You’re Going

Before an emergency happens, plan ahead:

• Find pet-friendly places: Not all emergency shelters or hotels allow pets. Make a list of nearby pet-friendly hotels, motels, or family and friends’ homes where your pet would be welcome.

• Use pet travel sites: Websites like BringFido and PetFriendlyTravel.com can help you find options ahead of time.

• Write down addresses and phone numbers: Keep this info in your phone and in a printed list you can grab quickly.

✅Keep Your Pet’s Evacuation Supplies Handy

• Put your pet’s emergency items near your own "go bag" so everything is ready to grab in a hurry.

• Don’t forget a leash, collar, or harness next to the door or crate for fast use.

• Keep your car carrier or crate nearby and easy to access.

✅Crate or Carrier Training

In a disaster, your pet may need to stay in a small space (like a shelter or hotel room). Being comfortable in a crate or carrier makes it much easier for both of you. In an emergency, pets who are crate-trained are easier to move, calmer, and safer.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Start early: Leave the crate open in your home with treats and toys inside to help your pet see it as a safe space.

• Make it fun: Praise your pet when they go inside and keep the experience positive.

• Practice short stays: Gradually increase the time they spend inside with the door closed.

✅ Recommended Product

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Crate – Lightweight, portable, and highly reviewed by pet owners.

3. Create a Buddy System

If you're not home when disaster strikes:

• Choose a trusted friend or neighbor who can help care for your pet if you’re away.

• Give them a key and a list of instructions (feeding, medications, vet contact info).

• Share your plan: Tell them your evacuation route and emergency contacts.

• Leave a backup collar and tag with your buddy just in case.

You can also include them in a shared group message or plan on your phone for fast updates.

4. Keep Identification Visible

If your pet gets scared, they might run away. Proper ID makes it easier to find them.

• Use a clear ID tag: Include your name, phone number, and emergency contact.

• Microchip: Make sure your pet’s microchip info is up to date with your current address and phone.

• Add an emergency contact card: Attach one to their collar with the number of someone outside your area (in case local phone lines go down).

Recommended Product:
Glow in the Dark ID Tag – High-visibility ID tag that’s easy to read at night.

5. Practice Emergency Drills

Pets love routine — but disasters throw off their sense of normal. Help them adjust by practicing your emergency plan.

• Simulate an evacuation: Carry your pet in their crate, load them into the car, and drive around the block.

• Sound training: Play recordings of sirens or alarms at low volume while rewarding calm behavior.

• Leash practice at night: Take short walks with your pet in the dark or low light, so they’re more comfortable during blackouts or night evacuations.

Top-Rated Amazon Products for Pet Disaster Preparedness

1. Emergency Pet Go-Bag

Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit – Includes food, water, leash, and first aid.

2. GPS Pet Tracker

Tractive Waterproof GPS Tracker – Real-time GPS tracking for pets. A lifesaver if your pet gets lost during a disaster.

3. Portable Pet Shelter

MidWest Portable Tent Crate – Acts as a shelter during long evacuations. Provides shade and protection.

Pet disaster preparedness isn’t just something to think about later—it’s something to do now. Your pet can’t pack a bag or find a safe place. They depend on you.

The more prepared you are, the calmer you’ll feel—and the safer your pet will be.