Prepared, Not Panicked: Creating Your Dog’s Emergency Action Plan

You’re watching the Weather Channel as a hurricane barrels toward your coast.

Or emergency alerts about mandatory evacuations start flooding your phone.

Or it’s 2 AM and you smell smoke.

In these moments, panic sets in… and that’s exactly when your dog needs you most.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, disasters can happen anywhere, anytime, and being prepared with a plan helps ensure the safety of your family, your animals, and first responders.

The Mississippi State University Extension notes that both owners and animals become overwhelmed by stress when pets are displaced, injured, or lost during emergencies.

The solution? Create your dog’s emergency action plan now, before disaster strikes.

Start with Identification and Documentation

Your first line of defense if you’re separated from your dog is proper identification.

The AVMA emphasizes that permanent identification through microchipping, combined with collars and current ID tags, is essential for reunification.

Make sure your dog’s microchip registration includes your current contact information and an out-of-area emergency contact who can be reached if phone service goes down in your area.

Create a document packet that includes:

  • Current vaccination records (required by many emergency shelters)
  • Recent photos of your dog from multiple angles
  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • Proof of ownership or adoption papers
  • Your veterinarian’s contact information

Store physical copies in waterproof containers in your evacuation kit and keep digital copies accessible on your phone and in cloud storage.

Build Your Dog’s Emergency Kit

According to the American Red Cross, your dog’s evacuation kit should be assembled well in advance and stored in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container near an exit.

Essential supplies for at least 5-7 days:

  • Food and water (one gallon per day for drinking and potential decontamination)
  • A manual can opener for opening canned food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Medications with dosing instructions
  • First aid supplies
  • Leash, harness, and spare collar
  • Sturdy carrier or crate (labeled with your contact information)
  • Waste bags and litter supplies
  • Comfort items: favorite toy, blanket, or bedding
  • Recent photos in case you become separated

The Red Cross recommends rotating emergency kit food and water every three months to maintain freshness.

Create Your Emergency Contact Network

The AVMA stresses preparing your emergency contact list before disaster strikes. You may need it while evacuating, and rescue personnel may need it to reunite you with your dog.

Your list should include:

  • Your regular veterinarian (with a 24-hour emergency number)
  • Local emergency veterinary clinic
  • Out-of-area friend or family member who knows your plan
  • Local animal shelter and humane society
  • Pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes
  • Boarding facilities that accept emergency placements
  • A trusted neighbor with a house key who can help if you’re not home

Store this list in multiple places: with your evacuation kit, on your phone, in your vehicle glovebox, and with trusted contacts.

Plan Your Evacuation Routes

The American Red Cross is clear: If it’s not safe for you to stay, it’s not safe for your dog either.

Never leave your dog behind during an evacuation.

Take action now:

  • Identify pet-friendly hotels and motels along multiple evacuation routes
  • Call ahead to understand their pet policies and ask if restrictions might be waived during emergencies
  • Know that most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets due to health and safety concerns (service animals are always welcome)
  • Establish agreements with friends, family, or boarding facilities outside your immediate area
  • Map multiple evacuation routes in case primary routes are blocked

The Red Cross emphasizes that many facilities require proof of current vaccinations, making it critical to keep your dog’s shots updated and the documentation close at hand.

Practice Makes Prepared

According to the AVMA, practicing your evacuation plan before disaster strikes is essential for reducing stress when every second counts.

Regular practice should include:

  • Getting your dog comfortable with their carrier or crate
  • Practicing loading into carriers quickly and calmly
  • Walking through evacuation routes with your dog
  • Ensuring all family members know the plan
  • Teaching your dog to come reliably when called
  • Keeping carriers easily accessible, not stored in hard-to-reach areas

The more familiar your dog is with the process; the calmer they’ll remain during an actual emergency.

Special Considerations

Backup caregivers: RedRover recommends giving a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member a key to your home. Ensure they’re comfortable with your dog, know feeding and medication schedules, and understand what to do if disaster strikes while you’re away.

Home evacuation plan: In case of a house fire or gas leak, identify multiple exits and ensure your dog’s leash and carrier are always near the door you’re most likely to use.

Shelter-in-place supplies: Not all emergencies require evacuation. For situations where you must stay home, ensure you have adequate food, water, and medications to sustain your dog for at least two weeks.

Start Today

Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, but it must be done in advance.

The American Red Cross notes that planning ahead helps keep families, including furry family members, safe during emergencies.

Set aside an hour this weekend to start your dog’s emergency action plan. Your dog depends entirely on you for their safety and well-being.

When disaster strikes, you’ll be prepared, not panicked.

Your Pets are our Priority!

At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of your pets.

That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which help you identify animal health and nutritional supplements from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest quality, most consistent products available.

Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.