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Pet Emergency Preparedness

Make the decisions before the siren, outage, fire, flood or severe-weather alert. This page turns federal pet-preparedness guidance into one practical plan, kit and evacuation checklist.

Read the official Ready.gov guidance
When you need to move

The first five actions

Follow local instructions. If officials order an evacuation, leave promptly and take your pets when it is safe to do so.
Secure every pet. Put cats in closed carriers and dogs on a leash or harness before opening an outside door.
Grab the pet go-kit. Take food, water, medications, records, identification and sanitation supplies.
Use the planned destination. Go to a confirmed pet-friendly hotel, shelter, boarding facility, friend or family member.
Message the backup person. Tell your buddy where you are going and whether every pet is accounted for.
Before an alert

Make the plan

  • Identify pet-friendly evacuation options in at least two directions. Confirm current policies before relying on them.
  • Create a buddy system with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative who can reach and evacuate the pets if you cannot.
  • Keep microchip registration and collar-tag contact information current.
  • Save a current photo of each pet and a photo of you together to help identify the pet and document ownership.
  • Store vaccination, medical and prescription information with veterinarian and emergency-clinic contacts in a waterproof pouch and secure digital backup.
  • Keep carriers accessible, leashes near the exit and practice getting each pet secured without a chase.
  • Sign up for local alerts and keep a battery or hand-crank radio available.
Ready to grab

Build the pet go-kit

  • Food and water for several days; a seven-day target adds useful margin. Include bowls and a manual can opener if needed.
  • Medications, dosing instructions and prescription information, packed in safe containers.
  • A sturdy carrier or crate—ideally one per pet—plus collar, ID tag, harness and leash.
  • Copies of records, photos, microchip information and emergency contacts.
  • Cat litter and a small pan, waste bags, paper towels, disinfecting supplies and other sanitation needs.
  • Pet first-aid supplies selected with veterinary guidance.
  • Familiar bedding, a toy or treats that can reduce stress without crowding the kit.
Storm or disaster warning

Bring pets in early

Bring cats and dogs indoors at the first warning. A frightened animal may hide or run, so secure carriers, leashes and harnesses before conditions worsen. Never open a carrier outdoors or in an unsecured evacuation area.

If sheltering at home

Choose a safe interior area, close off unsafe hiding or escape points, keep species or pets separated if stress creates conflict, and make sure temperature and ventilation remain safe. Keep the go-kit beside you in case instructions change.

After the immediate danger

Return carefully

Keep dogs leashed and cats in carriers until the area is secure. Familiar scents and landmarks may be gone, and debris, contaminated water, chemicals, damaged fencing or displaced wildlife may create new hazards.

Stress can change behavior. Watch eating, drinking, elimination, breathing, movement and responsiveness, and contact a veterinarian when you are concerned.

Print and complete

Key pet emergency information

Keep one copy in the go-kit and give one to the person in your buddy plan. Do not publish completed contact, access or medical details online.

Source and scope. This page is an original plain-language summary for cat and dog households, adapted from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ready Campaign’s Pets preparedness guidance and current National Preparedness Month guidance. For real-time alerts and shelter information, see the official FEMA App page. Follow current local instructions during an actual incident. Last reviewed July 19, 2026. Your Pet Neighbor is not affiliated with or endorsed by FEMA or Ready.gov.