If you have a dog, cat or other pet, they are part of your emergency plan too. In a flood, a fire or a long power cut, pets can’t look after themselves, and they rely completely on you. A little planning now means you won’t be scrambling for food, leads and carriers when you need to move fast.
Pack a pet grab bag
Keep a small bag for each pet next to your own grab bag, with enough for at least 3 days:
- Food and water, in sealed containers, plus bowls.
- Any medicines, with the dose written down.
- A lead, harness and spare collar with an ID tag for dogs.
- A sturdy carrier for cats and small pets, with a blanket or towel inside.
- Poo bags, cat litter and a small tray, kitchen roll and a few bin bags.
- A favourite toy or blanket, which helps a stressed animal settle.
- Paperwork: copies of vaccination records, insurance details, your vet’s number and a recent photo of your pet, in case you get separated.
Microchips and ID
A microchip is the best way to get a lost pet back. Dogs in the UK have had to be microchipped for years, and since 10 June 2024 pet cats in England must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they are 20 weeks old. A chip only helps if the details are up to date, so if you have moved house or changed phone number, update the database now. Dogs should also wear a collar and tag with your name and address when out in public.
If you have to leave home
- Take your pets with you if you can. Don’t wait until the last minute, as it is much harder to catch a frightened animal.
- Know where you could go. Not every emergency rest centre or hotel can take pets. Ask friends or family now if they could take you and your pets, and find out which local kennels and catteries you could use.
- Keep dogs on a lead and cats in carriers, even ones who are normally calm.
- If you really have to leave a pet behind, leave it inside, upstairs if there is a flood risk, with plenty of food and water, and put a note on your door or window so the emergency services know there is an animal inside.
Blue Cross has more advice on preparing for a flood with your pet. See also our flood go bag guide.
At home in a power cut or cold snap
- Fish tanks lose heating and filtration in a power cut. A battery air pump keeps the water oxygenated.
- Keep small pets and reptiles in the warmest room, away from draughts, and cover cages at night.
- Keep pets well away from candles and heaters, and never leave them alone with a portable heater.
Buy a pet first aid kit here · Buy a pet carrier here · Buy collapsible pet bowls here · Buy a battery aquarium air pump here
Write your vet’s number into your phone, and keep our UK emergency numbers handy.
2 pagesOur grab bag checklistA tick list in 7 groups, plus cut-out emergency contact cardsInteractive + A4 PDFThe 3-day checklistTick off what you have, then download or print itThis guide contains affiliate links to Amazon UK. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. How we choose kit.
