When disaster strikes, your pets depend entirely on you for survival. Yet according to FEMA, fewer than half of American pet owners have made any disaster preparations for their animals. Hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and extended power outages are not just human emergencies — they are pet emergencies too.
This guide covers everything you need to prepare an emergency plan for your dogs and cats, including complete supply checklists, pre-built kit options, food storage guidance, and evacuation planning tips based on recommendations from FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the ASPCA.
Why Your Pets Need an Emergency Kit
During a disaster, the systems your pets rely on disappear. Veterinary offices close. Pet stores shut down. Supply chains halt. If you evacuate to a shelter, many facilities still do not accept animals — and those that do rarely provide pet food, medications, or containment supplies.
Consider these realities:
- The ASPCA estimates that thousands of pets are separated from their owners during natural disasters each year. During Hurricane Katrina alone, an estimated 600,000 pets were killed or left stranded.
- FEMA’s Ready.gov guidelines explicitly recommend that pet owners include their animals in household emergency plans and maintain dedicated pet emergency supplies.
- The American Red Cross recommends a minimum 3-day supply of food, water, and medications for each pet in your household.
- Many evacuation shelters do not accept pets. If your plan is to “figure it out when the time comes,” you may face a choice between your safety and your pet’s — a choice that proper planning eliminates.
A dedicated pet emergency kit takes 30 minutes to assemble and costs between $30 and $100 depending on what you already have at home. That is a small investment for the peace of mind that your animals are covered.
What to Include in a Dog Emergency Kit
Dogs have specific needs during emergencies that differ from cats. Larger breeds require more food and water. Active breeds need secure containment. All dogs need identification and medical records accessible at a moment’s notice.
Food and Water
- 3-day supply of dry dog food stored in a waterproof, airtight container (calculate based on your dog’s daily intake — typically 1 to 3 cups per day depending on size)
- 3-day supply of water (approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day — a 50-pound dog needs about 50 ounces, or roughly 1.5 liters, per day)
- Collapsible food and water bowls (saves space, widely available for under $5)
- Can opener if using canned wet food
- High-calorie treats for stress relief and energy (training treats work well)
Medical Supplies
- 7-day supply of any prescription medications your dog takes regularly
- Pet-specific first aid kit (gauze, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide for inducing vomiting if instructed by a vet, digital thermometer, tick removal tool)
- Copies of vaccination records (rabies certificate is critical — shelters and emergency housing require proof of vaccination)
- Your veterinarian’s contact information and the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)
- Flea and tick prevention (at least one month’s supply)
Comfort and Containment
- Extra leash and collar with current ID tags (a second set is important — you do not want to rely on the one your dog is already wearing, which could break during chaos)
- Harness (more secure than a collar during stressful evacuation situations)
- Crate or carrier (appropriate size — your dog should be able to stand up and turn around inside)
- Familiar blanket or toy (reduces stress and anxiety in unfamiliar environments)
- Waste bags (at least a 7-day supply)
- Old towels (for drying, bedding, or cleaning)
- Muzzle (even calm dogs may bite when frightened or injured — a muzzle is a safety precaution, not a punishment)
Identification
- Current photo of your dog (stored on your phone and as a printed copy in the kit — critical for lost pet flyers and identification)
- Microchip number and registration information
- Written description of your dog (breed, weight, color, distinguishing marks)
- Your contact information and an emergency contact outside your immediate area
What to Include in a Cat Emergency Kit
Cats present unique emergency preparedness challenges. They are harder to contain during high-stress situations, may hide and resist being placed in carriers, and have specific sanitation needs that dogs do not.
Food and Water
- 3-day supply of your cat’s regular food (dry and/or wet — sudden diet changes can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats, so stock what they are used to eating)
- 3-day supply of water (cats need approximately 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day)
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Can opener for wet food
Medical Supplies
- 7-day supply of prescription medications
- Pet-specific first aid supplies (gauze, adhesive tape, styptic powder for nail injuries, digital thermometer)
- Copies of vaccination records (rabies and FVRCP)
- Veterinarian contact information
- Flea and tick prevention
Containment and Comfort
- Hard-sided cat carrier (one per cat — soft carriers can be clawed open by a panicked cat)
- Disposable litter trays and small bags of litter (at least a 5-day supply — cats may refuse to eliminate without litter, leading to health problems)
- Litter scoop and waste bags
- Familiar blanket or piece of clothing with your scent (reduces anxiety)
- Pillowcase or mesh laundry bag (for emergency containment if the carrier is unavailable — a calm restraint method recommended by many veterinarians)
Identification
- Current photo of your cat (many cats look similar — a clear photo with distinguishing features is essential)
- Microchip number and registration details
- Collar with ID tags (use a breakaway collar designed for cats to prevent choking hazards)
- Your contact information and a backup emergency contact
Best Pre-Built Pet Survival Kits (2026)
If you prefer a ready-made solution, pre-built pet survival kits include the essential supplies in a single package. These kits are a practical starting point — most cover the basics and can be supplemented with your pet’s specific medications, food, and comfort items.
Patriot Wholesale Club’s pet survival kit collection includes kits designed for dogs and cats with the following typical contents:
- Emergency food rations sized for pets
- Water pouches
- Basic pet first aid supplies
- Waste bags and sanitation items
- Collapsible bowls
- Emergency blanket
- LED light source
What you will likely need to add to any pre-built pet kit:
- Your pet’s specific prescription medications
- Your pet’s regular food (most kits include generic emergency rations — your pet may not eat unfamiliar food during a stressful situation)
- Vaccination records and identification documents
- A carrier or crate appropriate for your pet’s size
- Familiar comfort items (blanket, toy)
Pre-built kits save time and ensure you do not miss critical items. Supplementing with your pet’s specific needs turns a good kit into a complete one. Browse pet survival kits.
How to Store Emergency Pet Food Long-Term
The food in your pet’s emergency kit needs to remain safe and palatable for months or years without regular rotation. Here is how to handle storage for different food types:
Dry Dog and Cat Food
- Shelf life (unopened): 12 to 18 months from the manufacturing date. Check the “best by” date printed on the bag.
- Storage: Keep in the original sealed bag inside a waterproof, airtight container (a small plastic bin with a locking lid works well). Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity accelerate spoilage.
- Rotation schedule: Replace every 6 to 12 months. The easiest method is to buy a new bag for your emergency kit when you open a new bag for daily feeding, and move the kit bag into daily rotation.
Canned Wet Food
- Shelf life (unopened): 2 to 5 years depending on the brand and storage conditions.
- Storage: Store cans in a cool, dry place. Do not store in areas that freeze — freezing and thawing can compromise can integrity. Discard any cans that are dented, bulging, or rusted.
- Rotation schedule: Replace annually or according to the expiration date.
Emergency Alternatives if Commercial Pet Food Is Unavailable
In an extended emergency where pet food is not accessible, the following human foods are generally safe for both dogs and cats in the short term:
- Dogs: Plain cooked rice, plain cooked chicken (no bones, no seasoning), cooked eggs, plain cooked sweet potato, canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- Cats: Plain cooked chicken, plain cooked fish (boneless), cooked eggs. Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot survive on plant-based foods alone.
- Do NOT feed: Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts, or anything with heavy seasoning
These alternatives are for short-term emergencies only. They do not provide complete nutrition and should not replace regular pet food for more than a few days.
Evacuation Planning for Pet Owners
Having supplies is only half the equation. You also need a plan for where to go and how to get there with your animals.
- Identify pet-friendly shelters in advance. Not all Red Cross shelters accept animals. Many communities now have separate pet-friendly shelters or co-located animal sheltering. Contact your local emergency management agency before a disaster to find out what options exist in your area.
- Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes. Websites like BringFido.com maintain lists of pet-friendly accommodations. Save several options in your phone and print a backup list for your emergency kit.
- Arrange a buddy system. Exchange emergency plans with a trusted neighbor. If you are not home when an evacuation order is issued, your buddy can evacuate your pets (and vice versa).
- Pack warmth for both you and your pets. Emergency blankets and bivvy sacks take up almost no space — see our sleeping bag alternatives guide for compact shelter options.
- Never leave pets behind. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for your pets. Animals left behind during evacuations face dehydration, starvation, injury, and exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Practice carrier training before an emergency. A cat that has never been in a carrier will fight being placed in one during a chaotic evacuation. Leave carriers out and accessible, place treats inside regularly, and make the carrier a familiar, non-threatening object.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much emergency food should I store for my dog?
Store a minimum 3-day supply based on your dog’s normal daily intake. For a medium-sized dog eating 2 cups of kibble per day, that is 6 cups (approximately 2 to 3 pounds of dry food). For extended preparedness, aim for a 2-week supply. Always store your dog’s regular brand — stressed dogs may refuse unfamiliar food, which can lead to dehydration and further health complications.
Can I use human emergency food for my pets?
In a short-term emergency (1 to 3 days), plain cooked chicken, rice, and eggs are safe for both dogs and cats. However, most human emergency food products — such as MREs, emergency food bars, and freeze-dried meals (see our guide to MRE alternatives) — contain salt levels, seasonings, and ingredients that are not safe for pets. Onion powder, garlic powder, and excessive sodium are common in human emergency rations and are toxic to dogs and cats. Always maintain a separate pet food supply.
What do shelters provide for pets during evacuations?
Most evacuation shelters provide little to nothing for pets. Pet-friendly shelters typically offer a designated animal area and sometimes basic containment, but they expect pet owners to bring their own food, water, bowls, medications, leashes, carriers, and sanitation supplies. Some communities operate standalone animal shelters during disasters staffed by animal rescue organizations, but availability varies widely by region. Do not rely on shelters to provide for your pets — bring everything they need.
Should I include pet medications in my emergency kit?
Yes. If your pet takes any regular medications — for heart conditions, seizures, thyroid issues, arthritis, or anxiety — include at least a 7-day supply in your emergency kit. Rotate these medications every 3 months to ensure they do not expire. Also include a written list of all medications, dosages, and your veterinarian’s contact information. In an emergency, you may need to visit an unfamiliar vet, and having this information readily available speeds treatment.
How often should I update my pet’s emergency kit?
Check your pet’s emergency kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications. Update vaccination records, photos (especially if your pet’s appearance has changed), and contact information. Verify that the carrier or crate still fits your pet — puppies and kittens outgrow carriers quickly. If your pet has been prescribed new medications or has new health conditions since your last update, add those to the kit immediately.
Do I need separate emergency kits for each pet?
You do not necessarily need separate physical kits, but you do need separate supplies. Each pet needs their own food, water, medications, vaccination records, identification, and carrier. Tools and first aid supplies can be shared. For households with multiple pets, a single large bin containing individually labeled bags for each pet works well and is easier to grab during a fast evacuation.
What if my pet gets lost during a disaster?
Microchipping is the single most effective way to reunite with a lost pet after a disaster. Ensure your pet’s microchip registration is current with your correct phone number and address. Carry a current photo and written description of your pet in your emergency kit. After a disaster, contact local animal shelters, veterinary offices, and animal control agencies. Post on social media lost pet groups for your area. The ASPCA operates a disaster response team that assists with animal reunification after major events.
Next Steps
Start building your pet’s emergency plan today:
- Browse pet survival kits — Pre-built kits that cover the essentials for dogs and cats.
- Print the checklists above and use them to audit what you already have at home.
- Add your pet to your family emergency plan. If you already have a human survival kit, pair it with a dedicated pet kit so your entire household — including the four-legged members — is covered.
- Questions? Contact our team or call 1-888-250-8113.
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