When it comes to helping your best furry friend survive a disaster, a little preparedness goes a long way.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of pets are stranded, separated from their owners, or evacuated during disasters. In 2024, for example, the ASPCA reports that their Hurricane Helene relief efforts impacted more than 25,000 animals across the American southeast, including more than 5,400 that were assisted through search and rescue, emergency evacuations, temporary sheltering, and food distribution in North Carolina alone.
Given that an estimated 83% of pet owners live in disaster-prone areas, the disaster relief volunteers at Team Rubicon believe pets need an emergency preparedness kit and plan just as much as humans do. Here’s how to support Fido, Fifi, Mr. Feathers, and more during any disaster.
Have a leash handy and extra collars and harnesses packed
Since disasters typically strike with little to no warning, being able to grab a leash, go, and keep your pet at your side during a disaster is absolutely essential. Packing a spare harness and leash in your pet’s disaster kit will make things even easier.
A crate or carrier for each pet
Even if you have a pet that travels well, should you be forced to evacuate during an emergency, having a carrier can make your pet easier to transport. Plus, if you end up at an emergency shelter, they’ll need a crate — whether to keep them out of stress or just to keep them contained.
Pets should be wearing an ID at all times
Emergencies are stressful and unpredictable, and it doesn’t take much to spook an animal, which can bolt at the least provocation. If you get separated from your pet during a disaster, having their name and your contact info displayed clearly on them can be the deciding factor in how quickly you can be reunited. If your pet doesn’t wear a collar or ID tag while roaming about your home, it’s important to have one you can put on your pet quickly in times of emergency.
Do an annual microchip check
All animal shelters automatically scan intakes for a microchip, so even if you get separated during a disaster and your pet loses its collar and ID, you’ll be able to reunite. You should also do an annual check, either with your vet or through the American Animal Hospital Association’s microchip search, of your pet’s microchip to ensure your contact info is up-to-date.
Vaccination records and medical information in duplicates
Just like you should keep a copy of your own important contact info and medical records in your own disaster kit, your pet’s disaster kit should have a hard copy (laminated or sealed in a plastic bag) of essential vaccination and medical records. Make it redundant and store the same info in an app or on the cloud so you can access it from your phone at any time.
A cache of food and medication
Your pet’s disaster kit should contain at least three days’ worth of food and medication. Plus, while your pet may be able to drink out of any old puddle, having a bit of water set aside wouldn’t hurt. And while toys can take up valuable space, including a favorite comfort item — whether it’s a blanket or squeaky — may help reduce your pet’s stress during frightening situations.
The furry bottom line
With billion-dollar disasters on the rise, having a comprehensive emergency plan for every family member — including the four-legged ones — is essential no matter where you live. Taking time now to prepare proper identification, restraints, emergency kits, and transportation solutions for pets can prevent heartbreak and ensure entire families stay together when disaster strikes. Making an investment in pet disaster preparedness today could save both human and animal lives tomorrow.
