National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day: Plan Ahead to Protect Your Pets

Disasters can happen suddenly and without warning, such as wildfires, floods, severe storms, power outages, or evacuations. In these high-stress situations, pets are especially vulnerable. With the right planning, supplies, and knowledge, you can act quickly and confidently to protect them.

Here are some key steps every pet owner should take to prepare for a disaster:

1) Build a Pet Emergency Kit (Beyond Basic First Aid)

Keeping the right supplies on hand can make all the difference during disasters, when access to stores or veterinary care may be limited. Your kit should be easy to grab and ready at all times.

Include:

• Food (at least 3–7 days’ supply) in waterproof containers.
• Bottled water (at least 3 days’ supply per pet).
• Food and water bowls.
• A first aid kit (gauze, antiseptic, gloves, thermometer, etc.) like the SJA Pet First Aid Kit.
• Leash, harness, and/or carrier.
• Waste bags, litter, or a portable litter box.
• Comfort items (toy or blanket) to reduce stress.
• Recent photos of your pet (in case you’re separated).
• Copies of vaccination records and medical history (stored in a waterproof bag).

Having everything in one place saves critical time during an evacuation. It ensures your pet’s needs are met even in uncertain conditions.

2) Make a Clear Evacuation Plan for Your Pet

In an emergency, you may need to leave your home quickly. Planning ensures your pet isn’t left behind or put in danger.

Key considerations:

• Know where you can go: Not all shelters accept pets. Research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or friends/family who can take you in.
• Practice evacuation drills: Get your pet used to entering a carrier or traveling in the car.
• Assign responsibilities: If you live with others, decide who is responsible for grabbing the pet, supplies, and carrier.
• Transport readiness: Keep carriers accessible.

Never leave pets behind during an evacuation. If it’s unsafe for you, it’s unsafe for them.

3) Identification

If you and your pet become separated, identification is the fastest way to reunite.

Make sure your pet has:

• A collar with up-to-date ID tags.
• A registered microchip with current contact information.
• Emergency contact numbers are listed on tags.

Consider adding a temporary tag during emergencies with your evacuation destination or phone number.

4) Learn Pet First Aid and Emergency Response Skills

During disasters, veterinary care may not be immediately available. Knowing how to respond in those first critical moments can make a life-saving difference.

Taking a course through organizations like St John Ambulance can teach you how to:

• Recognize signs of stress, shock, or illness.
• Handle injuries safely during chaotic situations.
• Stop bleeding and treat wounds.
• Respond to breathing emergencies.
• Perform CPR on pets.

These practical skills help you stay calm and take action.

5) Prepare for Shelter-in-Place Situations

Not all emergencies require evacuation. Sometimes, you may need to stay home without access to utilities.

Plan for:

• Temperature control (blankets in winter, cooling methods in summer).
• Backup power options if your pet relies on electrical equipment.

Keep pets indoors during disasters to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

Being Prepared Means Being There for Your Pet

In a disaster, every second counts. Preparation gives you the ability to act quickly, reduce panic, and ensure your pet’s safety when conditions are at their worst.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is an opportunity to take those steps now, before an emergency happens. Because when your pet needs you most, being prepared is the best way to protect them.