P.R.E.P: Pet Ready Emergency Preparation

Written By Rianna Lane

Preparing for the worst can be a scary thought but emergencies can happen at any time and being truly prepared will help you stay a bit more calm and level-headed during these chaotic events. We want to help you be prepared whether you live in tornado country or where blizzards occur and may be stuck in your home without power for days, live somewhere where evacuations are a likelihood (like fire country or hurricane zones), or even just the chance of an accident in which you are hospitalized and unable to provide many care instructions to someone who needs to suddenly take care of your pets. Along with some of our fellow pet-owners we have brainstormed a list of what items to have in advance as well as created a free printable that you can turn into a binder to be better prepared for emergency situations.

In advance of an emergency, we recommend microchipping and harness/leash, carrier, crate, and car-ride training your pets. It is important to make sure that there is up-to-date identification tags attached to any and all harnesses, leashes, and carriers. We also recommend blocking off hiding places that would be difficult to access during an emergency. We advise setting up an emergency contact plan for your pet(s) in case you cannot be reached as well as researching locations you can take your pet(s) in case of evacuation.

To help you better prepare, create an emergency binder by printing and filling out these pages.

As everyone's needs vary, print out as many pages of Pet Info you have to match the number of pets you have. We have also left you blank spaces to add items as you see fit. We recommend adding copies of any other important information to your binders. Frequently reviewing these lists can help to remain calm in case of emergency. Check-in with and update your lists at least twice a year and remember that checking over expiration dates and updating the items is crucial.

Here are some product options we would recommend considering when preparing your emergency kit:

Carriers and Crates:

  • The Boop Coop by YourCatBackpack

    • Our must-have emergency crate. It is collapsible and easy to transport (or leave in your car) but opens up to be big and secure. This is great if you are going to be seeking an evacuation shelter or staying in a hotel/with friends but kitty needs a safe space to stretch-out in.

  • The FatCat Backpack by YourCatBackpack

  • SleepyPod Air

    • Amazing for airline travel. Fits securely under most seats and is comfortable and spacious for a traveling kitty.

  • SleepyPod Original

    • Great for if you are planning to travel by driving. This carrier makes for a cozy and more secure traveling option for cats and small dogs in the car.

Harnesses and Leashes:

I will always say that harnesses fit each pet differently and there is truly no such thing as an escape-proof harness (especially when it comes to cats). Harnesses fit each pet differently and I would recommend trying numerous options to see how they fit each of your pets. Brands that we have tried and like include:

Other Gear:

Rianna Lane
Next

Helping Cats Abroad: Cuba