pet emergency go bag: what to pack for dogs and cats

A pet emergency go bag should contain at least three days of food and water for an evacuation and ideally enough supplies for up to two weeks when sheltering in place during a major disaster. Pack your pet's medications, leash or carrier, identification, copies of medical and vaccination records, a current photo, sanitation supplies, comfort items, and a pet first aid kit.

Keep the go bag in a waterproof, easy-to-grab container where you can reach it quickly. Check it regularly and replace food, water, medications, and other supplies before they expire.

A little preparation can make an evacuation less stressful for you and your dog or cat.

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What to pack in a pet go bag

Your pet's emergency kit should cover food and water, medications, containment, identification, records, sanitation, comfort, and basic first aid. Use this checklist to build a kit that is ready to grab when you need it.

Food and water

• At least three days of your pet's regular food for an evacuation
• Up to two weeks of food if you are preparing to shelter in place
• Bottled or stored water for your pet
• Food and water bowls
• A manual can opener if your pet eats canned food
• Treats your pet is used to eating

Pack food in waterproof, sealed containers when possible. Avoid switching your pet to unfamiliar food during an emergency, which can cause digestive upset.

Medications and medical supplies

• At least several days of your pet's current medications, following your veterinarian's instructions
• A written list of medications and dosing instructions
• Your veterinarian's contact information
• Any supplies your pet needs to receive medication or manage an ongoing condition

Ask your veterinarian how much extra medication you should keep in your emergency kit. Replace medications before they expire.

Containment and travel supplies

Keep your pet's carrier accessible rather than stored somewhere difficult to reach. During an evacuation, a frightened pet may try to hide or escape, so getting them secure is especially important.

Include multiple ways to identify your pet if you become separated.

• current ID tag with your contact information
• microchip number
• microchip registration company's name and contact information
• current photo of your pet
• current photo of you with your pet

Make sure your pet's microchip registration and contact information are current. A microchip can help identify your pet if the collar or ID tag is lost, but it only works if the registration information is up to date. Get your pet microchipped

First aid supplies

A pet first aid kit can include sterile gauze, self-adhering vet wrap, sterile saline, blunt-nosed scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer, styptic powder, and other veterinarian-recommended supplies.

See the full dog and cat first aid kit checklist

Identification and records

Your pet's identification and medical records are especially important during an evacuation. Make sure your pet has a current ID tag and registered microchip, and keep printed vaccination and medical records in the go bag.

Take a current photo of your pet and keep a photo of you with your pet in the kit. If you become separated, these photos can help shelters, veterinary teams, and other people identify your pet.

Before an emergency, check that the contact information on your pet's ID tag and microchip registration is current. Update your records whenever your phone number, address, veterinarian, or other important information changes.

How much to pack and how to store it

For an evacuation, prepare at least three days of food, water, medications, and other essential supplies for each pet. If you need to shelter in place during a major disaster, aim for up to two weeks of supplies when practical.

Store the kit in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container near an exit or another location where you can grab it quickly. Keep your pet's carrier and other large supplies somewhere accessible, too.

Check your go bag at least seasonally and after using any supplies. Replace:

• expired food and medications
• water that needs to be refreshed
• outdated medical or vaccination records
• worn leashes, harnesses, carriers, or other equipment
• clothing, bedding, or other items your pet has outgrown
• items your pet no longer uses or tolerates

Keep written dosing instructions with medications, and make sure anyone who may help evacuate your pet knows where the go bag is stored.

Prepare for an evacuation before you need to leave

Do not wait until an evacuation order to figure out where your pet can go. Identify pet-friendly hotels, shelters, boarding facilities, or friends and relatives who may be able to help. Some emergency shelters cannot accommodate pets, so having more than one option is ideal.

Practice getting your pet into their carrier, crate, or other safe restraint. Cats can become difficult to catch when frightened, and dogs may behave differently during an emergency than they normally do.

Keep your pet's go bag, carrier, leash, and other essential supplies together when possible. If you have more than one pet, label supplies and keep enough food, water, medication, and containment equipment for each animal.

Learn more about preparing your pet for an emergency

Pet emergency go bag FAQs

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.