Pet Emergency Supplies Calculator
Your pets depend on you in emergencies. Calculate exactly what supplies you need to keep your dogs, cats, birds, and other animals safe during disasters.
Calculate Your Pet's Emergency Needs
Why Pet Emergency Preparedness Matters
In any emergency, your pets are counting on you. They can't prepare for themselves, stockpile their own food, or understand why their routine has been disrupted. During disasters, pet owners face unique challenges: evacuation shelters that don't accept animals, veterinary clinics that may be closed, and the stress of keeping nervous animals safe and calm.
The statistics are sobering. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year—and during disasters, that number spikes dramatically. After Hurricane Katrina, an estimated 250,000 pets were displaced, and many owners were forced to leave their animals behind because evacuation plans didn't account for them.
The 2006 PETS Act (Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act) now requires state and local emergency plans to include provisions for pets. But ultimately, the responsibility falls on you. A well-prepared pet owner can:
- Evacuate quickly with all pets safely secured
- Shelter in place with adequate food, water, and supplies
- Maintain pet health with medications and veterinary records on hand
- Reduce stress for both pets and humans during crisis
- Avoid difficult choices about leaving pets behind
Essential Pet Emergency Supplies
Food and Water
The foundation of any pet emergency kit is adequate food and water. FEMA recommends storing at least a 2-week supply for each pet—more if you live in an area prone to extended emergencies.
Water Requirements by Pet Type
| Pet Type | Daily Water Need | 14-Day Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog (10 lbs) | ~10 oz (0.3 liters) | 1+ gallon |
| Medium dog (40 lbs) | ~40 oz (1.2 liters) | 3-4 gallons |
| Large dog (70 lbs) | ~70 oz (2 liters) | 5-6 gallons |
| Cat | ~6 oz (0.2 liters) | 1 gallon |
| Small animal (rabbit, guinea pig) | ~4 oz (0.1 liters) | 0.5 gallon |
Storage tips: Store pet water separately from human water to prevent confusion. Use airtight containers and rotate stock every 6 months. In a pinch, pets can drink the same water as humans, but avoid giving them water with additives or electrolyte solutions meant for people.
Food Requirements
Always store your pet's regular food—sudden diet changes can cause digestive issues, which is the last thing you need during an emergency. Dry food stores longer than wet food, but include some wet food for hydration and palatability.
| Pet Type | Daily Food Need | 14-Day Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog (10 lbs) | 1/2 - 1 cup | 3-4 lbs |
| Medium dog (40 lbs) | 1.5 - 2 cups | 8-12 lbs |
| Large dog (70 lbs) | 2.5 - 3.5 cups | 15-20 lbs |
| Cat | 1/4 - 1/2 cup dry or 1 can wet | 3 lbs dry + 14 cans |
Medications and Health Records
For pets on prescription medications, maintaining an emergency supply is critical. Work with your veterinarian to:
- Keep at least a 2-week supply of all regular medications
- Understand dosing and administration in case vet care is unavailable
- Have written instructions for each medication
- Know signs of medication reactions or withdrawal
Your pet health records should include:
- Vaccination records (required by most shelters and boarding facilities)
- Microchip information with registration contact details
- Veterinarian contact information
- Recent photos of each pet (for identification if separated)
- Medical history summary including allergies and conditions
- Proof of ownership (adoption papers, registration, licensing)
Containment and Transport
In an evacuation, you need to move quickly and safely with all pets secured. Loose pets can escape in chaos, get injured, or cause accidents.
Carriers and Crates
- One carrier per pet (cats, small dogs, birds, small animals)
- Size appropriately—pet should be able to stand, turn, and lie down
- Label carriers with pet name, your name, and contact info
- Practice loading so pets aren't stressed by unfamiliar carriers
- Keep carriers accessible—not buried in storage
Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars
- Extra leashes stored with emergency supplies
- Secure harness that pets can't slip out of when stressed
- ID tags with current contact information
- Backup collar and leash in your vehicle
Special Considerations by Pet Type
Dogs
Dogs generally adapt better to emergencies than cats, but they have unique needs:
- Exercise needs—store a long lead for outdoor relief when off-leash isn't safe
- Waste management—pack plenty of waste bags and consider portable poop scoops
- Familiar items—a favorite toy or blanket reduces stress significantly
- Muzzle—even friendly dogs may bite when scared; have a muzzle just in case
- Booties—protect paws from debris, broken glass, or hot surfaces
Cats
Cats are more easily stressed by disruption and may try to hide or escape:
- Secure carrier with familiar bedding inside
- Portable litter box with 2-week supply of litter
- Disposable litter boxes for convenience
- Calming aids—Feliway spray or calming treats
- Harness and leash—even indoor cats should have one for emergencies
Birds
Birds are particularly sensitive to temperature, air quality, and stress:
- Travel cage small enough to transport but large enough for comfort
- Cage cover to reduce stress and provide darkness
- Spray bottle for misting and hydration
- Heat source or hand warmers for cold weather evacuation
- 2-week seed supply plus supplements and treats
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)
- Solid-bottom carrier (wire bottoms can injure feet)
- Bedding material for 2+ weeks
- Timothy hay (essential for rabbits and guinea pigs)
- Vitamin C supplements for guinea pigs
- Hide house or tube for security
Reptiles
Reptiles have specialized temperature and humidity needs:
- Insulated carrier with heat packs or cooling elements
- Backup heat source (hand warmers, heating pad with inverter)
- Spray bottle for humidity-dependent species
- Appropriate food (frozen/thawed rodents may require freezer or cooler)
- Temperature monitoring—digital thermometer
Fish
Fish are extremely difficult to evacuate and often must shelter in place:
- Battery-powered air pump to maintain oxygen during power outages
- Insulation—blankets or foam around tank for temperature stability
- Extra water conditioner for emergency water changes
- Fish bags and buckets for transport if absolutely necessary
- Generator power for filtration and heating in extended outages
Creating a Pet Go-Bag
A pet go-bag should be ready to grab in an evacuation. Store it near your human go-bag and vehicle. Include:
Essentials (Always Packed)
- 3-day supply of food in waterproof container
- Collapsible water bowl
- Extra leash and collar with ID
- Copies of medical records and photos (laminated)
- List of pet-friendly hotels and shelters
- Veterinarian contact card
- Medications (rotate regularly)
Add Before Evacuating
- Remaining food supply
- Water containers
- Litter and litter box (cats)
- Bedding and comfort items
- Prescription medications (full supply)
Finding Pet-Friendly Shelter
Research these options before an emergency occurs:
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelters
Many communities now have pet-friendly emergency shelters, though they may be limited. Contact your local emergency management office to identify locations. Expect to bring your own supplies including crate, food, and bedding.
Hotels and Motels
Many hotels accept pets, especially during declared emergencies when normal policies may be relaxed. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels along potential evacuation routes. Apps like BringFido can help locate options.
Boarding Facilities
Establish a relationship with a boarding facility before emergencies. Some may take evacuating pets on short notice if you're an existing client. Have vaccination records ready—most require them.
Friends and Family
The best option is often staying with friends or family outside the affected area who can accommodate both you and your pets. Identify several options in different directions from your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I store for my pet?
Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. A 50-lb dog needs about 50 oz (0.4 gallons) daily. Cats need about 4-6 ounces per day. For a 2-week supply, a medium dog needs 5-6 gallons and a cat needs about 1 gallon. Store extra for hot weather or increased activity.
What should be in a pet emergency kit?
Essential items include: 2+ weeks of food, 2+ weeks of water, all medications with instructions, vaccination records and microchip info, recent photos for identification, leash/harness/carrier, collapsible food and water bowls, waste bags and litter supplies, comfort items (blanket, toy), and basic first aid supplies.
Will emergency shelters accept pets?
Many traditional emergency shelters don't accept pets, though pet-friendly shelters are becoming more common. Research options in advance including designated pet shelters, pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and friends/family outside your area. The PETS Act requires emergency plans to address pets, but options vary by location.
How do I keep my pet calm during emergencies?
Maintain routine as much as possible. Bring familiar items like their bed, blanket, or favorite toy. Keep them in their carrier or on-leash for security. Speak calmly and reassuringly. Consider calming aids like Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats). If your pet has severe anxiety, talk to your vet about prescription options to have on hand.
What if I can't take my pet during evacuation?
Never leave pets behind if avoidable—they often don't survive. If you absolutely must leave temporarily: place them in an interior room on an upper floor, leave plenty of water, leave toilet lids up as emergency water source, and put a rescue sticker on your door with pet details. Return as soon as safely possible or arrange rescue.
How do I care for my pet if power is out?
Keep pets warm in winter with blankets and body heat. In summer, provide cooling mats, frozen water bottles, and plenty of water. Battery-powered fans help. Reptiles and fish need backup heat sources—consider generator power for their equipment. Keep aquarium air pumps running with batteries to maintain oxygen.