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Guide · GUIDE 09

Caring for pets in an emergency

Last reviewed on 29.06.2026

Anyone who keeps animals must include them in their preparedness: a food supply, a transport option and a plan for evacuation. In many emergency shelters animals are only admitted to a limited extent – this should be clarified in advance.

How do I include pets in my emergency preparedness?

In an event, animals depend on us. This starts with the food and water supply and extends to the question of where the animal goes during an evacuation – because in many emergency shelters animals are only admitted to a limited extent.

Plan about a week of supply, keep a transport option ready and clarify possible accommodation in advance (relatives, animal boarding). In heat and a power outage, animals especially need shade, water and a cool room.

What supplies do pets need in an emergency?

  1. Food/water supply for about a week plus bowls
  2. Medication, vaccination certificate/pet passport (copy)
  3. Transport box or leash/harness within reach
  4. Blanket, familiar items to calm, hygiene material (cat litter)

Plan for the serious case

  1. Clarify in advance where to go during an evacuation (relatives, animal boarding)
  2. Never leave the animal alone in the car/behind
  3. In heat/power outage: shade, water, cool room
  4. Sticker «Animal in the house» for rescuers

Concrete material & quantity examples

Keep a small «pet emergency bag» within reach – like the humans' emergency bag.

  1. Food for about a week (dry food is easy to store and transport) plus reserve water
  2. Collapsible or light bowls for food and water
  3. Transport box (cat/small animal) or a sturdy leash and harness (dog)
  4. The animal's medication for several days, copy of the vaccination certificate/passport
  5. Hygiene: cat litter and small tray, poop bags, newspaper
  6. Calming: a familiar blanket or toy; muzzle if required
  7. Photo of you with the animal (proof of identity if you are separated)

Common mistakes

  1. Assuming the animal is admitted to every emergency shelter – clarify in advance!
  2. Searching for the transport box/leash only in an emergency, instead of keeping them ready
  3. Leaving the animal in the car or without water in the heat (life-threatening)
  4. Not rotating the animal's medication and supplies
  5. Forgetting the animal entirely in the family's emergency planning

Frequently asked questions

Do I also need to build up supplies for my pet?

Yes. FONES lists "food for pets" as part of emergency supplies. Keep a food reserve matching the one-week recommendation, plus enough drinking water for the animal.

What should I prepare for an evacuation with a pet?

General recommendation (not an official requirement): carrier/leash and collar, pet passport/vaccination record, medicines, food and water bowls.

Where do I house my animal if I have to go to an emergency shelter?

It depends on the local situation and official instructions. Clarify alternatives in advance (relatives, animal boarding), as not every emergency shelter takes animals.

Official sources