Pet Emergency Kit and Evacuation Plan: Hurricanes, Wildfires, and Floods
Never Leave Pets Behind
From Atlantic and Gulf hurricanes to western wildfires and Midwest floods, natural disasters affect millions of Americans each year. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you. Plan ahead, because many emergency shelters and hotels have pet restrictions.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
- At least a week of food in airtight containers
- Bottled water for several days
- Medications, vaccination records, and vet contact information
- Sturdy leash, harness, and collar with ID tags
- Carrier or crate for each pet
- Litter, waste bags, and cleaning supplies
- Bowls, blankets, and a favorite toy
- A recent photo and microchip number
Make an Evacuation Plan
Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or relatives outside your area. Keep carriers easily accessible and practice loading pets into the car. Know your local emergency shelter policies, and add pet decals to doors or windows so rescuers know animals are inside.
Disaster Season Reminders
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Wildfire risk is highest in dry, hot months in the West. Update your plan each season, check expiration dates on food and medication, and refresh your supplies.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until the last minute: roads clog quickly.
- Forgetting medications: refill early.
- Leaving pets tied outside: never.
- Not practicing: pets need to be comfortable in carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shelters accept pets?
Some do. Check local policies in advance.
How should I secure my pet in the car?
Use crates or harnesses.
What if I am separated from my pet?
Contact local shelters, post online, and check microchip registry.
Quick Takeaways
Prepare a kit and a plan before disaster strikes. Practice and update regularly.
Shop sturdy harnesses in our harness collection.
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