When You Evacuate, Your Pet Should Too, Pack Two Pet Kits
Ready.gov, the U.S. government's preparedness website, says that if local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too; if you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse. Ready.gov also says to have two pet emergency kits: one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate.
Ready.gov says pets are an important member of your family and need to be included in your family's emergency plan; with a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely face less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. This article follows Ready.gov's pet disaster preparedness page: an evacuation plan, a pet emergency kit, getting pets used to a carrier, and staying informed.
Make a plan
Ready.gov explains (Ready.gov, Prepare Your Pets for Disasters):
- Evacuation plan: Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside; know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters happen.
- Buddy system: Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to.
- Microchip: Have your pet microchipped, keep your address and phone number up to date, and include an emergency contact outside your immediate area.
- If you're unsure: If you're unsure how to care for your pet in an emergency, contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office.
Pet emergency kit
- Two kits: One larger kit for sheltering at home and one lightweight kit for evacuating; review them regularly so contents, especially food and medicine, stay fresh.
- Food and water: Keep several days' supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container, and store a water bowl and several days' supply of water.
- Medicine and first aid: Keep an extra supply of your pet's regular medicine in a waterproof container, and talk to your veterinarian about what to put in a first aid kit.
- Collar and documents: A collar with ID tag and a harness or leash, plus a backup set; keep copies of your pet's registration and other documents in a waterproof container and electronically.
- Carrier: A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
- Sanitation: Pet shampoo and other grooming items; litter and a litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.
- A photo together: A picture of you and your pet together; if you get separated, it helps document ownership and lets others help identify your pet.
- Familiar items: Favorite toys, treats or bedding, which can help reduce your pet's stress.
For what to put in your own emergency kit, see Emergency Kits, 1 Gallon of Water a Day Each, Food for Days; for where your family will meet if separated, see Family Emergency Plan in 4 Steps, Pick a Meeting Place First.
Getting pets used to a carrier
- Leave it where they go: Leave the carrier out, and open, in places your pet often visits.
- Treats: Feed treats near the carrier, or try putting a few inside.
- Familiar smells: Put a favorite blanket or small bed inside so it smells familiar.
- Hiding spots: Note where your pets hide so you can find them quickly if you have to leave in a hurry.
Stay informed
- Phone alerts: Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts sent by state and local public safety officials.
- Listen to officials: Follow local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
- FEMA App: Download the FEMA app to get National Weather Service weather alerts for up to five locations anywhere in the United States.
- Bring them inside: Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
For how to use the FEMA app, see Free FEMA App Alerts for 5 Places, Texts Find Shelters.
What this article did not check
- Large animals: Ready.gov has separate tips for horses, goats, pigs and similar animals (evacuating early, arranging trailers); this article does not cover them.
- Which shelters take pets: This article did not check which shelters in each area accept pets.
- Registering a microchip: The page does not explain it, so this article does not cover it.
FAQ
Can I leave my pet at home when I evacuate?
Ready.gov says that if local officials ask you to evacuate, your pet should evacuate too; pets left behind may end up lost, injured or worse.
Do shelters accept pets?
Ready.gov says many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside, so know a safe place to take your pets before a disaster.
How many pet emergency kits should I have?
Ready.gov says to have two: a larger one for sheltering at home and a lightweight one for evacuating.
Why keep a photo of me with my pet?
Ready.gov says a picture of you and your pet together helps document ownership and helps others identify your pet if you get separated.
Sources and date checked
All checked on 2026-11-02.
- Ready.gov, Prepare Your Pets for Disasters (page updated 2026-03-20):https://www.ready.gov/pets