US households own a dog — but fewer than 1 in 3 have a pet-specific emergency plan
Of people who don't evacuate cite unwillingness to leave their pets behind as the reason
Pets lost or separated from owners in US disasters annually, per ASPCA estimates
The canine preparedness essentials
Six things every dog owner needs in place.
Vaccination & Microchip Records
Many emergency shelters require proof of rabies vaccination. Keep a copy in your go-bag and a photo on your phone.
72-Hour Food & Medication
Pre-portioned kibble, water, and any prescriptions in a waterproof bag. Include a collapsible bowl.
Pet-Friendly Shelter or Hotel
Most public emergency shelters don't accept pets. Identify two pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes now.
Carrier or Leash Always Accessible
Your dog may panic in a disaster. A secure leash or crate prevents bolting — have it by the door, not in the garage.
ID Tag & Recent Photo
An updated ID tag and a clear photo (stored in the cloud) is the fastest path to reunification if you're separated.
Know Your Dog's Stress Signals
Disaster chaos affects animal behavior. Dogs that are calm at home may bolt, bite, or hide. Have a plan for that scenario.
What RallyPack tracks for your dog
Microchip. Vaccines. Medications. Feeding schedule. Offline, always.
When you're separated from your dog in a disaster, the people who find them need your information fast. RallyPack keeps it accessible even without internet.
Answers
Evacuating with animals — questions answered.
- How do I evacuate pets if emergency shelters do not accept animals?
- Identify at least two animal-friendly destinations before an emergency — pet-friendly hotels, boarding kennels, veterinary clinics or a mutual-aid contact.
More detail
Confirm which local shelters accept animals and under what conditions, and keep a backup boarding or stable contact for large animals. Never leave an animal tethered or confined where it cannot escape.
- What should a pet evacuation kit contain?
- A carrier or leash and harness, medication, food and water for at least 72 hours, bowls, identification, and copies of veterinary records.
More detail
Add a recent photo of you with the animal for proof of ownership, a litter tray or waste bags, and a favourite item to reduce stress. Keep the kit with your own go-bag so both leave together.
- How do I plan to evacuate livestock?
- Assign one person to each animal or livestock group and arrange transport, destinations and mutual-aid help in advance.
More detail
Pre-identify two destinations plus a backup, keep halters, leads and records ready, and coordinate with neighbours so a single regional disaster does not consume all available transport at once.
- Should I leave animals behind if I cannot take them?
- No — evacuate people and animals together on the first departure, and never return to a closed zone for an animal.
More detail
Returning for animals makes you an additional rescue problem and delays first responders. If you truly cannot take an animal, leave it loose indoors with food and water and tell responders or animal services it is there.
- How do I make sure my pet can be identified after a disaster?
- Use a microchip plus a collar tag with a phone number, and carry a recent photo of you with the animal.
More detail
Keep microchip registration details current and store copies of vaccination records with your own documents, since shelters and boarding facilities often require them.
Sources
Animal evacuation guidance on this page traces back to the agency that produced it.
- FEMA — Pet and service-animal planning for evacuations and shelters
- American Red Cross — Pet disaster preparedness and evacuation guidance
- ASPCA — Household animal evacuation planning and supply guidance
- AVMA — Veterinary and animal-agency disaster resources
- USDA APHIS — Livestock movement, sheltering and animal-health guidance during disasters
Animal evacuation readiness
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