How to Build a Disaster Preparedness Kit for Pets

No matter where you live, there may be times you’ll need to evacuate on the fly. Having a disaster preparedness kit ready to go at the drop of a hat can save you time and stress – and we don’t just mean a kit for yourself or your family. You should always have a kit ready for your pet as well.

So, what should be in that kit?

We’ve gathered together everything you’ll need in times of emergency. Get a kit together for safe keeping and you’ll be ready if disaster ever strikes.

How to Build a Disaster Preparedness Kit for Pets

Some things to include in a disaster preparedness kit are:

• 3-7 days worth of food. If you feed raw, search out suitable freeze dried options that are good in a pinch. If you used canned food, make sure you have a can opener!
• Water. Bottled is fine, but not super environmentally friendly, so water filter is a good idea/alternative to bottled water
• Collapsable bowls
• Blankets or a small bed for comfort
• Towel/rags for clean up
• A small toy, again for comfort or to keep your pet occupied
• Collar with ID tag – in an emergency, you want to make sure others can identify your pet and keep them safe
• Leash/muzzle/harness
• Litter pan, litter
• Pet carrier or crate for transportation, or depending on where you’ll be staying
• Medical records (and vaccination records if your pet has had any vaccines)
• Any medications your pet is currently on and a pet first aid kit (we’ll cover more on this below)
• Current photo of your pet in case she gets lost
• Information on your pet’s feeding schedule behavioral/medical concerns, and special instructions in case you have to board your pet
• List of boarding facilities in your area and/or hotels that accept pets
• Life jacket or winter jacket and booties (depending on your area)

First Aid

Having a first aid kit in your disaster preparedness kit is also a really good idea.

Here are some things to keep in the first aid kit:

• Calendula – an anti-inflammatory, known for its ability to help speed up wound healing, good for skin irritations and even bug bites
• Chamomile – brew some tea and make a tincture – it’s great for pain and inflammation in the intestines and stomach.
• Gauze or non-stick wrap and vet wrap for any open wounds.
• Cotton balls
• Saline solution
• Homeopathic remedies 
  • Arnica – trauma, pain relief, bruising, shock
  • Arsenicum Album – digestive upset, discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Borax – nervousness, fear
  • Rhus Tox – arthritis, joint stiffness, skin issues

[RELATED] We have more on building a first aid kit for you pet at this post.

A Few Important Tips

1. Know Your Region’s Native Disasters – Is your region prone to hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, tornados, or blizzards? Identifying the most common natural disasters/potential disruptors in your area will help you build an effective plan for you and your pet. 

2. Check the kit every 6 months (an easy way to remember is to do it when you check your smoke alarms bi-annually). Refresh the food, water, and medication. Make sure medical records are kept up to date. The same goes for the address and phone number on your pet’s collar.

3. Keep your pet’s kit with your family’s emergency survival kit for quick and easy access. The top shelf of the closet near the front door is a good idea.

4. If you have to leave your home during an emergency, never leave your pet behind, even if you think you’ll only be gone for a few hours. The best way to protect your pet in an emergency is to bring it with you. Once you leave your house, there will be no way to determine how long you will be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to return for your pets.