Meows & Musings

How-To: The Emergency Kit

You never expect a disaster to touch your life — yet most of us will face an emergency at some point, whether it’s a storm, fire, or even a long power outage. In those moments, having a thoughtful plan (and a ready kit) makes all the difference. Just as we gather supplies to keep our households safe and comfortable, our pets deserve that same layer of security and care.

So, what belongs in a pet emergency kit?

For people, experts recommend 72 hours of supplies if you need to evacuate (think wildfire, flood, or earthquake) or 10 days of supplies if you’re sheltering in place (like during a blizzard or cyclone). The same guidelines work beautifully for our pets. If water runs low or power is lost, you’ll have everything on hand to keep tails wagging and purrs humming until life steadies again.

Pack your kit in waterproof, portable containers — a sturdy backpack, lidded bin, or even a duffel — so it’s easy to grab and go. Then layer in the essentials:

Extra leash, collar and ID tags
Portable cat litter box, cat litter and scoop
Travel carrier/kennel
Towel
Collapsible food and water bowls
Food and water supply
Treats
Plastic utensils
Can opener
Extra supply of medications
Pet first aid kit (see below)
Dog or cat muzzle
Heavy duty gloves
Grooming wipes
Bedding
Toys
Poop bags
Paper towel
Disinfectant
Digital and paper copies of veterinary and immunization records
Photo of you and your pets
Emergency names and numbers

✨ Pro tip: Think of your kit as a small basket of reassurance — the practical meets the comforting. Rotate food, water, and medications every 6 months so everything stays fresh.

A pet first aid kit for peace of mind

When emergencies strike, it’s the little things — a roll of gauze, a clean wipe, a gentle hand — that help our pets feel safe. A well-stocked pet first aid kit means you’re ready to respond calmly and quickly, turning worry into care.