Prepping for Pet Owners: The Emergency Guide Most People Skip

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an estimated 600,000 pets were either killed or left behind — largely because their owners had no plan for them. A 2023 ASPCA survey found that 67% of US households own at least one pet, yet fewer than 1 in 5 has an emergency plan that includes their animals. This guide fixes that.

Why Pet Prep Is Different

Many evacuation shelters still don't accept pets. During the 2018 Camp Fire in California, hundreds of families refused to evacuate because they couldn't take their animals — and some died as a result. Planning for your pet in advance means you won't face that impossible choice.

The Pet Emergency Kit

Build a dedicated pet emergency bag alongside your human one. It should contain: 3 days of food and treats in a waterproof container, a collapsible water bowl, a spare lead and collar with ID tags, copies of vaccination records and microchip details, a photo of you with your pet (for reunification), any prescription medications with dosage instructions, and a familiar toy or blanket to reduce stress.

Water for Pets

The standard guideline is 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day for dogs, and roughly the same for cats. A 30lb dog needs nearly 1 litre per day. Factor this into your water storage calculations — most people forget to. A Sawyer Mini filter works for pet water too.

Where to Go With Pets

Research pet-friendly emergency options before you need them. Check which local hotels accept pets (many have suspended pet fees during declared disasters). Find your nearest pet-friendly emergency shelter using petfriendlyshelters.com. Have a contact outside your area — a friend or relative — who could temporarily house your pets.

Medical and Identification

Ensure microchips are registered and up to date. A 2022 study found that microchipped pets were reunited with their owners at a rate 2.5 times higher than non-chipped pets after disasters. Keep a physical copy of your vet's number and your pet's medical records in your emergency bag. If your pet is on medication, try to keep a 2-week supply in reserve.

Calming Your Pet During Emergencies

Disasters are terrifying for animals. A familiar blanket or worn t-shirt in their carrier significantly reduces stress according to animal behaviourists. Pheromone spray (like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats) can be bought cheaply and fits in an emergency bag. For very anxious animals, discuss emergency sedation options with your vet in advance — not during the crisis.