Create an emergency contact sheet
- Primary veterinarian and hours
- Nearest 24-hour emergency hospital and driving route
- Animal poison-control number
- Pet insurance or payment information
- A trusted person authorized to transport or approve care
- Local emergency-management and shelter information for disasters
Keep a printed copy with the carrier and a digital copy on your phone.
Build a transport-ready pet file
- Current photo
- Microchip number and registry contact
- Vaccination and medical summary
- Medication names, doses, and schedule
- Allergies and chronic conditions
- Veterinarian contact information
- Proof of ownership
- Written caregiver authorization
Prepare basic supplies
A pet first-aid kit can support safe transport and temporary care, but it is not a miniature veterinary clinic. Include gauze, nonstick pads, bandage material, tape, disposable gloves, saline, towels, a digital thermometer, blunt-tip scissors, and a leash or slip lead. Ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your specific pets.
Make transportation possible
Keep carriers accessible rather than buried in storage. Train cats to enter a carrier during calm periods. Know how to move a painful dog with minimal handling, and use caution: even gentle pets may bite when frightened or injured.
Know what not to do
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically directs it
- Do not give human pain medication
- Do not force food or water into an unconscious, vomiting, or struggling pet
- Do not apply a tight tourniquet unless directed
- Do not delay transport while attempting elaborate home treatment
Disaster planning
Plan for evacuation and sheltering in place. Maintain several days of food, water, medications, litter, waste supplies, and sanitation items. Identify pet-friendly lodging and include pets in household drills. Rotate supplies before they expire.
Practice twice a year
- Confirm emergency numbers and routes.
- Check carrier condition and pet fit.
- Update photos and medication lists.
- Replace expired supplies.
- Verify microchip contact information.
- Review who will care for pets if you are away.
During the emergency
Call the clinic while someone else prepares transportation. Describe the pet, symptoms, timing, known exposure or trauma, and current location. Follow the clinic’s instructions and bring packaging, medications, vomit samples, or photos only when safe and useful.