pets
Pet Emergency Plan
A fast, actionable safety plan for pets during emergencies or rapid departures.
pet safetyemergency
SAFETY PLANNING
Pet Emergency Plan
1. Quick Pet Information
Keep a simple summary of each pet so you can act quickly if you need to leave or arrange care.
- Pet’s name, type, and breed (if known)
- Approximate age and weight
- Current medications and doses
- Any allergies or special needs
- Behavior notes (fearful of men, other animals, car rides, etc.)
- Microchip number and registry (if available)
These details can be stored on paper, in a phone note, or both, in case one is not accessible.
2. Carrier and Restraint Checklist
Identify and prepare what you need to safely move each pet.
- Carrier location for each pet:
- Write down where each carrier is stored
- Check that carriers open and close easily
- Keep carriers easy to reach, not buried in storage
- Leashes and harnesses:
- One leash per dog (plus a spare if possible)
- Harness or collar that fits correctly
- ID tags attached if safe to do so
- Small pet transport options:
- Secure container for small animals (e.g., small mammals, birds)
- Blanket or towel that can be used as a quick wrap or cover
- Car readiness:
- Plan where carriers will go in the car
- Keep a towel or sheet in the vehicle to cover a carrier if needed
3. Food and Water Supplies
Prepare a small, easy-to-grab pet supply kit.
- Food:
- 3–7 days of dry food in a sealed, labeled bag or container
- Can opener and spoon if using canned food
- Note of brand and type of food in case you need to buy more quickly
- Water:
- Small bottled water supply for pets (separate from household supply)
- Collapsible or lightweight bowls
- Medications and supplies:
- At least a few days of any required medications in a labeled container
- Basic items: waste bags, litter for cats, puppy pads if used
- Favorite small treats to help with stress and cooperation
Check food and medication dates regularly and rotate items so the kit stays current.
4. Documentation Package
Gather copies of key records for each pet. Store them where they are easy to grab or access digitally.
- Identification:
- Recent clear photo of each pet (printed and/or on your phone)
- Photo of you with each pet, if safe, to help show connection
- Microchip paperwork or number, if available
- Health records:
- Vaccination history (especially rabies)
- List of current medications and doses
- Vet clinic name, address, and phone number
- Any known medical conditions or special instructions
- Ownership and care agreements (where available):
- Adoption or purchase documents, if you have them
- Licensing or registration papers
- Any written boarding or foster agreements from past care
If you cannot safely store documents at home, consider saving photos of them in a secure, password-protected account.
5. Safe Handoff Options
Plan where pets could go temporarily if you need to leave quickly or cannot safely care for them for a time.
- Trusted people:
- List 2–3 friends, family members, or neighbors who might help
- Note who has keys or could access your home
- Check who has experience with your type of pet (large dogs, reptiles, etc.)
- Confidential arrangements:
- Consider people who do not share social circles or locations with the person causing harm
- Discuss what information they should or should not share about the pets’ location
- Professional care options:
- Identify nearby boarding facilities or kennels
- Note any organizations or shelters that sometimes coordinate temporary pet foster care
- Ask your vet clinic if they ever board pets short term
- Backup plans:
- Decide who could meet you at a neutral location to take your pet
- Plan for situations where you may not be able to speak freely on the phone
Some people review pet-related safety options, local shelter policies, and animal-focused supports through resources listed at DV.Support.
6. Practical Communication Notes
Plan how you will share pet needs with anyone helping you.
- Write a short “care note” for each pet, covering:
- Feeding schedule and amounts
- Medication times and how to give them
- Any behavior triggers (loud noises, other pets, children)
- Safe handling tips (does not like to be picked up, must be crated before opening door, etc.)
- Decide what you are comfortable sharing about:
- Why you need temporary care
- Whether the other person should keep your location private
- Keep important phone numbers handy:
- Vet clinic
- Emergency vet (if different)
- Primary backup caregiver
7. Quick-Grab Pet Go-Bag
Assemble a simple pet bag that can be picked up quickly.
- Small bag or backpack stored near an exit
- Leash, collar, or harness for each relevant pet
- Basic food and collapsible bowl
- Small water bottle
- Pet waste bags or small litter setup (for cats)
- Medication for several days, if possible
- Photocopies of key documents or a list of where they are stored online
Review this plan occasionally and adjust if pets, living situations, or contacts change.