Pet Emergency Checklist: What Every Pet Owner Should Have Ready

A month into the Ukraine war, Dr. Cliff Redford, a Toronto-based veterinarian who’s provided support to humanitarian events around the world, was administering emergency rabies vaccines to pets at the Polish border.

“Ukraine was a perfect example of ‘We’ve got 24 hours to get out of here,’” says Dr. Redford, recalling that most Ukrainian pet owners were of the mindset of just grabbing their animals, a suitcase, and fleeing to places such as Poland. In the chaos of evacuation, however, refugees often forgot their pet vaccination records—something Poland required for entry—and many refused to leave their pets behind.

Most of us love our pets like family and hate to think of the terrible things that could befall them—and us. But not being proactive can leave pet owners unprepared and vulnerable. While the Ukraine example is among the more dramatic situations, emergency planning is just as important for more common disasters such as wildfires, floods, and tornadoes. That’s why it’s important to make emergency evacuation plans that include your furry, feathered, or scaly family members.

What’s in your pet emergency evacuation bag?

As Dr. Redford experienced in Poland, proof of vaccination—a rabies tag or actual paperwork—is the most important thing to have in your evacuation kit. Emergency shelters require it.

• Print out a copy of your pet’s medical records or store them on your phone.
• Update ID tags and the microchip registry with current information, including urgent medical needs.

Also pack these essentials:

• A week’s supply of water and food for your pet, especially if your pet’s on a prescription diet. Use collapsible food and water bowls to save space.
• Any necessary medications. Remember that food and medications expire, so replace your emergency supplies before their expiration dates.
• A blanket, favorite toy, and over-the-counter or prescription anti-anxiety medication to help ease the stress of evacuation.
• Recent photos of you and your pet together to prove ownership if you become separated.

Pets also need to be contained during evacuation. Bring a sturdy leash for your dog and a carrier for cats or smaller dogs. A hard-sided, top-loading carrier is the easiest to get a resistant cat inside.

If you have multiple cats, keep a pillowcase for each one. While carriers are the safest way to transport cats, fast-moving emergencies such as fires may require carrying multiple cats in pillowcases.

“It’s not a good time for anyone,” said Hannah Soboleski, founder and executive director of the nonprofit cat rescue Binx’s Home for Black Cats. “But it’s the fastest way to get a bunch of cats out of the building at once.”

Cats also require a portable litter setup. Pack a bag of litter and a disposable litter tray. An aluminum roasting pan works well.

Remember that your cats and dogs should wear ID collars during an evacuation.

Pets and emergency shelters

One of the most difficult things about evacuating with pets is that not all emergency shelters let you bring them, even with vaccination records.

Dr. Redford treated many injured dogs in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, when people set pets free to fend for themselves because emergency shelters wouldn’t take them in.

He advises never leaving your pet behind in an emergency and making plans now to ensure their safety in the event of one.

• Talk to friends outside your immediate area who will care for your pet in emergency situations.
• Ask your veterinarian to recommend good boarding facilities.
• Research pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds.

Advice for unusual pets

What if your beloved family pet is on the scaly side? Or feathered, or even…slimy?

Dr. Redford’s most unusual patients at the Polish border were three giant South American slugs whose owner hadn’t brought a humidifying device. “We got a spray bottle and put in some soft, low-calcium water and showed how they could spray the slugs to keep them moist,” he recalls.

Birds and reptiles can be especially sensitive to environmental changes such as heat, humidity, and UV light sources. If you have an unusual pet, talk to your vet now to fine-tune its emergency plan.

Keep calm and carry Fluffy on

It’s important to keep your cool during an emergency. “Your demeanor needs to be calm,” Soboleski says. “If you’re panicking, your [pet] is going to panic, as well.”

Keep your pet emergency go-bag as close to the exit as possible and make sure all family members know the plan.

Prepping can be difficult, Dr. Redford admits. “But it’s going to be a lot harder figuring it out during the emergency,” he adds.