Pet Evacuation Go-Bag
A grab-and-go bag so a pet is ready when the household evacuates: several days of food and water, restraint and transport, comfort, sanitation, and the medical records a shelter or boarding facility will require.
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- Items
- 7 required · 11 optional
- Est. cost
- $60–$180
- Est. weight
- 8–20 lb
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Budget
- Budget-friendly
- Container
- Gear duffel
About this kit
Make a pet part of the family evacuation plan — so leaving in a hurry doesn’t mean leaving the animal’s needs behind.
A wildfire evacuation order comes with an hour’s notice. The human go-bags are ready; the dog and cat need to be too — carrier, leash, a few days of their food, water, and the vaccination paperwork the emergency shelter will ask for at the door.
Kit contents 7 required · 11 optional
- Pet carrier×1 per pet
A familiar carrier reduces panic — introduce it early.
Why: Safe transport and containment is the first requirement of moving a pet fast.
required - Leash & harness×1 per pet
Secure control in chaos and at shelters.
Why: Frightened animals bolt; secure restraint prevents losing them.
required - Pet food rations×3–7 days
The pet’s usual food to avoid stomach upset.
Why: Days of the normal diet keeps a stressed animal fed without new problems.
required - Collapsible pet bowl×2
One for food, one for water.
Why: A pet still needs to eat and drink wherever you land.
required - Collapsible water jug×1
Dedicated water for the animals.
Why: Shelter water may be limited; bring the pet’s own.
required - Pet first aid kit×1
Basic wound and comfort supplies.
Why: Evacuations bring scrapes and stress; basic care may be needed before a vet.
required - Field notebook×1
Vaccination records, meds, vet contact, and a current photo of you with the pet.
Why: Shelters and boarding require proof of vaccination; a photo proves ownership if separated.
required - Dog boots×1 set
Debris and hot ground after a disaster.
optional - Tick remover×1
For unfamiliar sheltering ground.
optional - Hand sanitizer×1
Hygiene when handling animals and waste.
optional - Emergency blanket (mylar)×2
Warmth and a familiar bed substitute.
optional - Flashlight (handheld LED)×1
Finding and handling pets in the dark.
optional - Nitrile gloves×3 pairs
Handling a frightened or injured animal.
optional - USB power bank×1
Keep the phone alive to reach your vet and pet-friendly shelters.
optional - Water bottle (1L)×2
Water for the humans handling the animals.
optional - Energy bars & snacks×1 box
Feed the people through a long, stressful evacuation.
optional - Two-way radio (FRS/GMRS)×2
Coordinate a household splitting up to load pets and gear.
optional - Work gloves×1 pair
Handling crates, debris, and a scared large animal.
optional
Make this kit yours — copy all 18 items into an editable kit.
Maintenance schedule
A kit you don’t maintain is a box of expired hope. Suggested cadence:
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Every 3 months | Rotate the pet food and water, and confirm the carrier and leash are with the bag. |
| Yearly | Update vaccination records, the vet contact, and the owner-with-pet photo; refresh medications. |
| Ongoing | Keep the pet used to the carrier so an evacuation isn’t its first time inside. |
Variations
Cat
A hard carrier, litter and a small pan, familiar food, and a calming item.
Dog
A leash and harness, a carrier or crate, food and water, boots, and waste bags.
Multiple / small animals
A carrier per animal, species-appropriate food and bedding, and records for each.
Safety notes
- Include your pet in the family evacuation plan and leave early — never leave an animal behind expecting to return. Many emergency shelters do not accept pets, so identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or boarding ahead of time.
- Keep current vaccination records and a photo of you with your pet in the bag; facilities require proof of vaccination and a photo helps reunite you if you’re separated.
- This is general preparedness information, not veterinary advice. Carry any prescribed pet medications and follow your vet’s guidance.
Sources
This starter kit draws on:
Page history & editing
Editor-reviewed2026-07-01 Last edited 2026-07-01 by human editor