An emergency can disrupt familiar routines with very little warning. A power outage, wildfire, flood, winter storm or evacuation may separate you from the food, medication and records your pet needs—even if you never leave home.
September is National Preparedness Month, and Austin Emergency Management is encouraging Central Texans to make a plan, build a kit and know where to find trusted information. A pet-specific kit turns that good intention into something you can grab when time matters.
Start With Food and Water
The CDC recommends a two-week supply of food and water for each animal. Choose food your pet already eats; an emergency is not the time for an unnecessary diet change. Include feeding instructions, non-spill bowls and a manual can opener if needed.
Store dry food in its sealed original package inside a waterproof container. Original packaging preserves the product name, lot code and best-by date. For canned, pouched, frozen or refrigerated diets, plan for safe opening, storage and serving if power or refrigeration is unavailable. A practical backup format may be useful, but introduce and test it before an emergency.
Write the packing date on the kit. Check it regularly, rotate food before it expires and replace water according to its package guidance. Keep the kit somewhere accessible—not behind items you would need to move during an evacuation.
Pack Medications and Health Information
Ask your veterinarian what should be included for your individual pet. The CDC checklist calls for a two-week supply of medications, medication instructions and a one-month supply of flea, tick and heartworm preventive when applicable.
Do not move prescription medication into an unmarked container. Keep it properly labeled, follow storage directions and monitor expiration dates. If a medicine requires refrigeration or special handling, ask your veterinary team for an emergency plan.
Place copies of vaccination records, a medical summary and prescriptions in a waterproof pouch. Add your regular veterinarian’s contact information and the details for an emergency hospital near your likely evacuation destination.
Make Identification Redundant
Your pet should wear a secure collar and current identification tag. Confirm that the registration connected to the microchip has your current phone number and address; the chip only helps when its record can lead back to you.
Include recent photos of your pet and at least one photo of you together. Add a written description, proof of ownership or adoption, microchip number and the microchip company’s contact information. Put your name and multiple contact numbers on the carrier as well.
Include Safe Transport and Cleanup Supplies
Keep an appropriately sized carrier, leash, harness and familiar bedding ready. Cats may hide when frightened, so practice getting them into the carrier before an emergency. Dogs should also be comfortable entering the vehicle with their evacuation equipment.
Add waste bags, paper towels, disinfectant, cat litter and a portable litter pan as appropriate. A familiar toy or blanket can provide comfort. Include a pet first-aid kit and book, but remember that first aid is temporary support—not a replacement for veterinary care.
Plan for Where You Will Go
A packed tote does not replace an evacuation plan. Identify pet-friendly lodging, boarding facilities, veterinary hospitals and friends or relatives outside your immediate area. Establish a buddy who can reach your pets if you are away from home, and make sure that person knows where the kit and carriers are stored.
Build the kit gradually, then review it twice a year and after any change in food, medication or contact information. Paws on Chicon carries dog food options for emergency planning and cat food options for emergency planning across multiple formats. Bring your pet’s usual food details and expected storage conditions, and our team can help you compare practical package sizes and feeding requirements.
This article provides general educational information. Follow local emergency instructions and consult your veterinarian about your pet’s medical and medication needs.