pets
Pet Safety Overview
Practical steps to protect pets, records, and emergency arrangements.
pet safetyanimals
Safety Planning
Pet Safety Overview
Purpose of This Guide
This page outlines practical options for keeping pets as safe as possible when there are concerns about relationship harm, separation, or sudden moves.
Documentation to Gather
Organizing key records can make it easier to show ownership, arrange care, and move quickly if needed.
- Proof of ownership, such as:
- Adoption or purchase papers
- Microchip registration documents or online account printouts
- Licensing or registration paperwork in your name
- Written transfer of ownership, if applicable
- Identification details:
- Recent clear photos of each pet (full body and face)
- Photos of collars, tags, and any distinctive markings
- Microchip number and brand
- Tag numbers and licensing numbers
- Routine care information:
- Feeding schedule and diet (including special foods)
- Medications, doses, and timing
- Known allergies or medical conditions
- Behavior notes (triggers, fears, handling tips)
- Contact lists:
- Primary and backup veterinarians
- Emergency vet or animal hospital
- Pet sitters, walkers, or boarding facilities you have used
Storing digital copies (photos or scans) in a secure cloud account or password-protected device can provide backup access if physical papers are not available.
Vet Records to Secure
Having complete veterinary documentation can support emergency care, boarding, and potential disputes over who cares for the pet.
- Core medical records:
- Vaccination history and next due dates
- Spay/neuter documentation
- Recent exam summaries
- Test results for chronic conditions
- Medication records:
- Current prescriptions, doses, and refill information
- List of past medications and any reactions
- Written treatment plans from the vet
- Safety-related notes:
- Any documented bites, reactivity, or anxiety notes
- Handling instructions used by the vet or staff
- Restrictions (e.g., cannot be around certain animals or situations)
- Administrative items:
- Vet clinic client information sheet showing your name and contact
- Printed or downloaded invoices that list you as the paying client
- Microchip registration information kept in clinic records
Some clinics can email or portal-share a full record set. You can ask what format is easiest for you to keep accessible.
Caregiver Backups
Backup caregivers can provide short-term or longer-term care if you need to leave quickly or cannot keep a pet in your current housing.
Identify Possible Caregivers
- People who may be options:
- Trusted friends or relatives
- Neighbors you already know and trust
- Coworkers or community members familiar with your pet
- Reputable foster-based rescue or temporary boarding programs
- Things to consider when choosing:
- Whether their housing allows pets
- Experience with your pet’s species and size
- Ability to manage medical needs or special care
- Distance from places you might need to access (work, court, school)
Information to Share With Caregivers
- Practical care instructions:
- Feeding amounts, times, and brand of food
- Walk or exercise routines
- Litter or waste routines
- Crate or safe-space habits
- Health and emergency information:
- Vet name, address, and phone number
- List of medications and doses
- Any recent health concerns
- Preferred emergency vet hospital
- Safety boundaries:
- Who should not know the pet’s location
- Instructions on not posting the pet publicly online
- Any specific pickup or drop-off arrangements
Written Permissions and Instructions
- Options to prepare:
- A short written note stating the caregiver can transport the pet to the vet
- A copy of your ID attached to that note, if safe to share
- A simple agreement outlining:
- Who pays for food, supplies, and vet care
- How long the caregiver expects to keep the pet
- How decisions will be made about reuniting or rehoming
Emergency Transport
Planning basic transport options can make it easier to move a pet safely during a sudden change or relocation.
Transport Supplies
- For dogs:
- Well-fitting collar or harness with ID tag
- Sturdy leash (consider a backup leash)
- Portable water bowl and small water bottle
- Waste bags
- For cats and small animals:
- Secure, labeled carrier
- Light towel or blanket to cover the carrier if needed
- Small bag or container of familiar litter or bedding
- For all pets:
- Small supply of their regular food
- Basic comfort item (toy, blanket, or bedding)
- Copy of vet records in a folder or on your phone
- Any essential medications for several days
Transport Options
- Personal transport:
- Plan routes that avoid locations you are concerned about
- Keep a carrier or leash accessible if possible
- Know where you would go first (friend, hotel, boarding, or safe parking area)
- Rides from others:
- Identify people comfortable with pets in their vehicles
- Clarify pickup points that feel safer for you
- Provide them with vet address or boarding location in advance if possible
- Public or commercial options:
- Check rules for pets on local public transport
- Review rideshare or taxi policies about animals and carriers
- Research nearby pet taxi or animal transport services, if available in your area
Keeping Location More Private During Transport
- Consider:
- Using neutral carriers or crates without your name visibly labeled on the outside
- Arranging pickups at locations away from your home if that feels safer
- Avoiding posting real-time photos of pets and travel online
Organizing a Simple Pet Safety Plan
Bringing the pieces together into a short, practical plan can make it easier to act on short notice.
- List each pet and any special needs
- Note where key documents are stored (physical and digital)
- Identify:
- Primary vet and emergency vet
- First-choice and backup caregivers
- Preferred transport method and backup options
- Prepare a small pet “go kit” with:
- Food for 1–3 days
- Medications
- Basic supplies (leash, carrier, litter, waste bags)
- Copies of critical records and photos
Some local domestic violence services, animal welfare groups, and legal clinics may have specific pet safety programs or boarding partnerships. Information about available supports in many regions is listed through resources at DV.Support.