Pet Emergencies

What to Keep in a Pet Emergency File

Keep current identification, medical, medication, insurance, caregiver, and veterinary-contact information together in both paper and digital form.

Identification

  • Current photos from multiple angles
  • Microchip number and registry
  • License and tag numbers
  • Breed, color, sex, age, and weight

Medical details

  • Vaccination history
  • Chronic conditions and allergies
  • Medication names, strengths, doses, and times
  • Recent laboratory or imaging summaries
  • Primary and specialty veterinarian contacts

Authorization and payment

  • Pet insurance policy
  • Preferred payment method
  • Written authorization for a caregiver
  • Emergency spending guidance and contact order

Disaster information

  • Evacuation destinations
  • Pet-friendly lodging
  • Food and medication supply locations
  • Carrier and leash locations

Update schedule

Review the file every six months and after any diagnosis, medication change, move, or new caregiver arrangement.

Sources and further reading

Veterinary note: This article provides general educational information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.