How to Handle Pets During an Emergency or Evacuation

How to Handle Pets During an Emergency or Evacuation
Pets are family — and they rely on us to be ready. Whether it's a fire, flood, storm, or shelter-in-place order, your animals need a plan too. A little preparation can help avoid panic and ensure their safety in any emergency.
What Every Pet Owner Should Do:
- Make an Animal Bug Out Bag: Include food, collapsible bowls, leash, copies of medical records, medications, and ID tags.
- Have a Crate or Carrier Ready: For safe transport and access to pet-friendly shelters.
- Keep Extra Supplies at Home & In Your Vehicle: Water, litter, pee pads, calming aids, and familiar toys.
- Microchip & Tag Your Pets: In case you get separated during evacuation or disaster response.
- Know Pet-Friendly Evacuation Routes: Research ahead of time — not all shelters or hotels allow pets.
- Practice Evacuating with Your Pet: Like fire drills — routine helps pets feel calmer and keeps you prepared.
Free Download
About Blackout Preppers
Blackout Preppers' mission is to provide supplies and information to help save lives when blackouts, crises, disasters, emergencies, and hazards happen.
Our motto: “Prepare If You Care.”