Emergencies can occur without warning, and being unprepared can have dire consequences for our pets. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a timely reminder to ensure our furry, feathered, or scaled companions are included in our emergency plans.
Why Pet Preparedness Matters
From wildfires in Washington and California to hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, natural disasters across the U.S. serve as critical reminders of the importance of pet-inclusive emergency planning. According to the American Humane Society, more than 100,000 pets were left behind during Hurricane Katrina, and thousands of families were separated from their animals due to a lack of preparation. A 2021 survey by the American Kennel Club (AKC) found that while most pet owners recognize the importance of emergency planning, only about half actually have a plan that includes their pets.
These sobering facts highlight how essential it is to be proactive in safeguarding your pets during an emergency.
Make a Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late—create an emergency plan that includes your pets. Here are some key steps you can take:
- Assign responsibilities in your household: Who grabs the carrier? Who collects supplies?
- Plan where to go: Make a list of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and friends or family who can shelter your pet.
- Prepare for multiple scenarios: What if you’re not home when disaster strikes? Leave a rescue alert sticker on your door or window to inform emergency personnel that pets are inside.
- Document your plan: Keep a printed copy with your emergency kit and share it with your family or pet sitters.
The American Kennel Club offers helpful pet preparedness tips, including planning tools and checklists tailored to pet owners.
What to Include in a Pet Emergency Kit
Every household with pets should have a dedicated emergency kit. Here’s what yours should include:
- Food and Water: At least 3–7 days’ worth, with portable bowls.
- Medications: Include a two-week supply and copies of medical records.
- Identification: Collar with tags, microchip details, and a recent photo of your pet.
- Leash, Harness, and Carrier: Ensure they’re sturdy and labeled with your contact information.
- Sanitation Supplies: Waste bags, litter, litter box, and cleaning wipes.
- First Aid Kit: Include pet-safe bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and gloves.
- Comfort Items: Familiar blankets, bedding, or toys to help ease anxiety.
- A Picture of You and Your Pet Together: If you are separated, this photo can help prove ownership and assist with reunification.
- Familiar Items: Toys, treats, or even a shirt that smells like home can provide comfort during stressful moments.
Store your kit in a waterproof container and check it regularly to refresh expired items and adjust for seasonal needs.
For more helpful tips, visit the American Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness Guide.
Preparing Pets for Travel
In an emergency, you may need to leave home quickly—and travel can be stressful for pets. Prepare by:
- Acclimating your pet to carriers and car rides ahead of time.
- Packing travel documents such as health certificates and proof of vaccinations.
- Scouting pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities in advance.
- Practicing evacuations with your pet so they’re comfortable with the process.
If flying, review the pet travel policies of your airline. Carriers like Alaska Airlines and Delta have specific guidelines for crate size, breed restrictions, and travel conditions. You can find more information on air travel with pets on the American Humane Society website.
Stay Informed
Timely information is essential in an emergency. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts:
- Tune into local news outlets such as KGMI 790 AM (Bellingham), KOMO News, and KING 5 News for regional updates.
- Sign up for Whatcom County Emergency Alerts to get local notifications by text, phone, or email.
- Use a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio to stay informed if the power goes out.
- Follow trusted social media accounts for real-time updates:
- Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office – Division of Emergency Management on Facebook: @WhatcomReady
- Washington Emergency Management Division on Twitter/X: @waEMD
- American Humane Society on Facebook: @americanhumane
- American Kennel Club on Instagram: @americankennelclub
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are unpredictable—but being prepared can give you peace of mind and help you protect your whole family, pets included. This June, take time to review your plan, update your kit, and rehearse your evacuation routine with your pet.
For more detailed tips and resources, visit:
