Houston Humane
Society News

June 23, 2025

Pet Disaster Preparedness Tips, Checklist, and Resources

How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency or Natural Disaster

Hurricane season is here, and that means it’s time to make sure every member of your family, including your pets, is ready. Emergencies can happen fast, but with a little preparation, you can keep your pets safe, calm, and cared for no matter what comes your way. Download our full Pet Preparedness Checklist and see our list of disaster resources.

Start with a Plan

Know your area’s risks, including flood zones and evacuation routes. Create a family emergency plan that includes your pets. Decide where you’ll go if you need to leave home and be sure to research pet-friendly hotels or shelters ahead of time.
Run through your plan with everyone in your household. When people know what to do, pets benefit too.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

A pet emergency kit should have everything your furry friend might need if you have to leave quickly. Here’s what to include:

Two weeks’ worth of food and water
Medications and clear instructions for use
Vet records, rabies certificate, and microchip number
Recent photos of your pet in case you get separated
Portable bowls, litter supplies, and cleaning items
Comfort items like toys or blankets
A pet carrier and collar with ID tags

Use waterproof bags or containers to keep everything dry and organized. Get our full Pet Preparedness Checklist.

Keep Documents Handy

Make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date and keep physical copies of important documents with you. This includes vaccination records and emergency contact info. A Pet ID card with your details can help reunite you quickly if you are separated.

Stay Informed

Sign up for local alerts through your city or county. A battery-powered radio is also a smart backup. The more informed you are, the more time you’ll have to act.

Being prepared helps reduce panic and protects the ones who depend on you most.

To support emergency response efforts and help homeless pets find safety, please consider a donation to Houston Humane Society. Your support provides food, shelter, and vet care for animals in need.

👉 Donate now