Pet Emergency Kits: Do Not Leave Your Animals Out

Pets rely on people during disasters. Prepare food, water, leashes, medication, and comfort items before an emergency.

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Pets are part of the family, and they need to be included in emergency planning. During disasters, animals can become scared, separated, dehydrated, or difficult to transport if supplies are not ready ahead of time.

A pet emergency kit should include food, water, bowls, leash, harness, carrier, waste bags, medication, vaccination records, identification, and comfort items. If your pet has special medical needs, keep instructions and extra supplies available when possible.

It is also helpful to prepare two versions of pet supplies. One can be larger for sheltering at home, and one can be smaller and easier to carry if evacuation is needed. This is especially important during wildfires, floods, storms, or extended power outages.

Pet planning should also include transportation. Know how you would move your animals quickly. Keep carriers accessible. Make sure contact information is current. Identify pet-friendly places you could go if you had to leave home.

Waiting until the emergency happens can create unnecessary stress for both people and pets. A little planning now can make evacuation or sheltering in place much easier.

LMD Disaster Survival Kits encourages every household to prepare for all family members, including the four-legged ones.