Top tips to create the purr-fect pet emergency plan from a K-State veterinarian
With extreme weather events happening around the U.S., you might be thinking how to prepare your family for disasters. Don’t forget to include your canine, feline and reptile family members in your disaster preparedness plans.
Kansas State University veterinarian Susan Nelson shares these smart tips to make sure all the members of your family stay safe.
All those selfies of you and your cat on your phone will come in handy if you get separated. Nelson said updated photos of you and your pets will make it easier to reclaim your pet.
“Pet owners should keep important documents in a waterproof bag that can be easily located,” said Nelson. Those include registration papers, proof of current vaccines, medication information and the contact information of your veterinarian.
Be sure your pets wear a collar with an ID tag and have extra tags in your emergency kit. Microchipping your pets is a good idea also.
Make sure you have appropriately sized crates or carriers for your pets. If you have a bird, reptile or guinea pig, use a smaller carrier than their normal cages.
“Crates and cages should have your name and address on them,” said Nelson. She also suggested you have practice sessions with your cats and dogs so they can become familiar with their crates.
It’s important to know where your family will go in case of disaster. Also be sure your friends or family can accommodate your pets. And it’s good to know which hotels in your area allow pets.
Keep a three-day supply of food and water for your pets. “Pack daily portions of food in individual bags and store all supplies in waterproof containers,” said Nelson. “For water, bottled is best.” You should also pack a slip leash, scoop, a few toys, a can opener, trash bags, treats and a first- aid kit.
If your pet takes medication, be sure to have one-to-two weeks’ worth, with instructions, in a waterproof bag.
It’s best to prepare and never have to use your plan than the other way around. Fido and Mittens will thank you for it.
Written by: Heather Ackerly
Curated from: https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2025/05/pet-disaster-preparation-tips-form-kstate-veterinarian-susan-nelson.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=K-State%20veterinarian%20shares%20tips%20for%20pet%20emergency%20plans&utm_campaign=KST%20Faculty/Staff%205-9-25https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=102398
