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.
A starting point to copy and adapt — not a definitive or universally correct list. Check it against your own situation, skills, and local rules.
- 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.
Required items 7
- 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.
- Leash & harness×1 per pet
Secure control in chaos and at shelters.
Why: Frightened animals bolt; secure restraint prevents losing them.
- 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.
- Collapsible pet bowl×2
One for food, one for water.
Why: A pet still needs to eat and drink wherever you land.
- Collapsible water jug×1
Dedicated water for the animals.
Why: Shelter water may be limited; bring the pet’s own.
- Pet first aid kit×1
Basic wound and comfort supplies.
Why: Evacuations bring scrapes and stress; basic care may be needed before a vet.
- 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.
Optional items 11
- Dog boots×1 set
Debris and hot ground after a disaster.
- Tick remover×1
For unfamiliar sheltering ground.
- Hand sanitizer×1
Hygiene when handling animals and waste.
- Emergency blanket (mylar)×2
Warmth and a familiar bed substitute.
- Flashlight (handheld LED)×1
Finding and handling pets in the dark.
- Nitrile gloves×3 pairs
Handling a frightened or injured animal.
- USB power bank×1
Keep the phone alive to reach your vet and pet-friendly shelters.
- Water bottle (1L)×2
Water for the humans handling the animals.
- Energy bars & snacks×1 box
Feed the people through a long, stressful evacuation.
- Two-way radio (FRS/GMRS)×2
Coordinate a household splitting up to load pets and gear.
- Work gloves×1 pair
Handling crates, debris, and a scared large animal.
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 guide draws on:
Page history & editing
Revision status: approved Last edited 2026-07-01 by human editor