How to keep your pet safe in an emergency

Natural disasters can strike without warning, so preparation is critical. Last year alone, there were 27 confirmed weather/climate disasters in the United States. I caught up with Fetch Veterinary Advisory Board member Dr. Noe Galvan, Lead Veterinarian at Modern Animal in Los Angeles and public health expert, to learn everything you need to know about how to prepare, stay informed and protect your pets when the unexpected happens.

Dr. Galvan has seen the impact of extreme weather conditions on both humans and animals. During the recent Los Angeles wildfires, his clinic provided basic care, wellness checks and even short-term shelter for pets who were separated from their parents. Here are his top tips to keep yourself and your pets safe in an emergency situation.

Assemble a pet emergency kit

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is prepare a pet emergency kit. This kit should be packed before a disaster occurs and stored in an easy-to-grab location. Here's what Dr. Galvan recommends including:

• Two weeks’ worth of food and water
• Food and water bowls
• All of your pet’s current medications (at least a 2-week supply)
• Copies of vaccine records, medical history and microchip information
• Leash, harness, collar and ID tags
• A secure carrier or crate for transport
• Blankets, toys or items with familiar smells
• Calming aids like pheromone sprays or anti-nausea medication

Practice makes perfect

According to Dr. Galvan, one of the biggest challenges during evacuations is simply getting your pet into a carrier or car. Many cats panic at the sight of a carrier because they associate it with stressful experiences (like going to the vet). Dogs who aren't used to being on a leash might be difficult to manage in a stressful moment. This can lead to your pet escaping and getting lost. That’s why he advises pet parents not to wait for an emergency to practice evacuation. He says pet parents can start slowly by:

• Taking your pet on short car ride
• Helping your cat or dog get used to their carrier
• Practicing “go bag” drills just like a fire drill
  

With a little bit of practice, your pets will be less stressed and easier to move quickly and safely in an emergency. And if your pet ever goes missing in a disaster, Dr. Galvan says, “having them microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations increases the chance of a safe and quick reunion.”

Know where to go: pet-friendly shelters & accommodations

As part of your disaster preparedness plan, Dr. Galvan recommends identifying local hotels, boarding facilities, friends or family members who can take in your pets during an emergency. Some helpful resources include:

• The American Red Cross
• The Humane Society of the United States
• Local veterinary clinics and animal shelters

He explains, “knowing which hotels (or even shelters) allow animals is vital in case you are faced with a mandatory evacuation order.” Many people don’t find out until it’s too late that their pet isn’t allowed to accompany them. This can be heartbreaking during an already traumatic time and prevent pet parents from being able to evacuate. 

The bigger picture

Helping pets during disasters isn’t just about what happens in the moment. It’s also about creating better policies and planning for the future. If you're passionate about protecting pets and their people, Dr. Galvan outlined a few ways you can help: 

• Support already-established animal welfare organizations that push for pet-inclusive disaster planning
• Promote and support animal welfare legislation like the PETs Act of 2006, which requires that pets be included in emergency planning at the state and local levels
• Contact local and state representatives urging them to create or support existing pet-inclusive disaster planning legislation

Prepare, don’t panic

Preparing ahead of time — packing an emergency kit, practicing evacuation routines and knowing where to go — can make all the difference between chaos and a smooth transition to safety. 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out the handy list below (and take a screenshot so you always have it nearby). Talk to your vet (we love talking about this!) for more specific recommendations for your individual pet. 

Pet emergency kit checklist 

Use this checklist to pack and keep a grab-and-go emergency kit for your pet. Store it in an easily accessible place and update it regularly.

Basic essentials

• 2 weeks’ worth of pet food (canned or dry)
  
• 2 weeks’ supply of fresh drinking water
  
• Food & water bowls
  
• Blankets or towels (familiar scent preferred)
  
• Leash, harness, and collar with ID tags
  
• Secure carrier or crate (labeled with your contact info)

Medical supplies

• 2 weeks’ worth of prescription medications
• Flea/tick/heartworm preventives
• Pet-specific first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic etc.)
• Copies of medical records & vaccination history
• Rabies certificate
• Microchip number and registration info
• Any special needs instructions
  

Comfort & behavior

• Favorite toys or chew items
• Familiar-smelling blanket or clothing
• Calming pheromone spray (like Adaptil or Feliway)
• Anti-nausea medication (if prone to car sickness)
• Litter box and litter (for cats)
• Waste bags or poop scoop
• Muzzle (if required in public shelters)
  

Important contacts & info

• Your pet’s photo (for ID/reunification)
• List of emergency contacts (friends, family)
• Contact info for your veterinarian
• Contact info for pet-friendly hotels or shelters
• Local emergency animal shelter numbers
• Backup caregiver’s name and phone number
  

Tips for success:

• Practice getting your pet into their carrier or leash
• Rotate food, water, and medications every few months
• Keep kit near your own go-bag or exit route
  

Questions? Ask your veterinarian for personalized suggestions.