Our pets count on us for an awful lot, and that includes keeping them safe in situations they may not fully understand. No pet owner wants to think about their pet experiencing the anxiety and uncertainty of an emergency such as a fire or natural disaster. However, it is always best to be prepared in the event one happens.

Preparing an emergency to-go kit for your pet in advance means it’s always on hand in the event you need it, removing the need to gather items quickly when emergencies happen and the possibility of missing or forgetting vital pet care necessities.

Here’s everything you need to create an emergency to-go kit that will help keep your pet safe in any scenario.

1. 1. Large Bag
   2. Leash, Collar, and ID Tags
   3. Water, Food, and Collapsible Bowls
   4. Waste Bags and/or Cat Litter and Pan
   5. Towels and Blankets
   6.  Paperwork and Contact Sheet
   7. Cleaning Supplies
   8. First Aid Kit

Here are our tips for pulling together these items, and why they are so important for your pet’s to-go kit.

Large Bag

The first thing you’ll need for your emergency kit is a bag for everything to go in! Whether it be a large travel bag, gym bag, or plastic tote, ensure it is large enough to fit all your essentials and can remain in an easy-to-access place.

Leash, Collar, and ID Tags

You’ll want to grab your everyday leash and collar on the way out the door, but for good measure, you should keep an extra leash and collar in your emergency kit. You will also want to ensure that the ID tags on your pet’s collar are always up-to-date in the event they get lost.

Water, Food, and Collapsible Bowls

To prepare for any situation, you’ll need plenty of water and food in your emergency kit. Make sure you have multiple bottles of clean, fresh water and enough food for at least four to five days. Also include two collapsible bowls. Don’t forget to refresh any unused food every few months!

Waste Bags and/or Cat Litter and Pan

If you have a cat, you should include enough litter for at least a few days. For dogs, you’ll want a few extra rolls of waste bags.

Towel and Blankets

Keep one clean towel and one clean blanket in your emergency kit. Both of these items can be used in many situations and are good to have on hand.

Paperwork and Contact Sheet

You’ll need copies of your pet’s microchip registration, vaccination records, rabies certificate, prescriptions, heartworm test, FeLV test (cats), adoption records, recent photographs, and written descriptions of your pet.

Also include a sheet with ALL important contacts, including yourself, your family members, an emergency contact, your pet’s veterinary provider, nearby animal hospitals, and any other pet care providers such as kennels, daycare, or trainers.

Also, consider a step-by-step guide of your pet’s daily care and instruction for boarding.

Cleaning Supplies

Include cleaning products in the event you need them. A roll of paper towels, a few garbage bags, an all-purpose cleaner, and disinfectant will be vital for cleaning up any mess.

First Aid Kit

Perhaps the most important part of your emergency to-go kit is first aid supplies. In the event of an emergency, you won’t know how quickly you can get to a veterinary provider, so you’ll want all the necessary emergency supplies on hand.

Here’s what you need:

• Absorbent gauze and adhesive tape
• Cotton balls
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Disposable gloves
• Scissors and tweezers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Dish soap for bathing
• Alcohol wipes
• Pet-safe saline solution
• Tick remover
• Pet safety manual

Conclusion

It’s not fun to think about our pets in potentially dangerous situations, but being prepared can help alleviate the stress during these situations. Taking a few minutes to prepare an emergency kit ahead of time can make all the difference. Just make sure you keep all the items up-to-date and refresh anything perishable!