Build a pet kit around your animal’s routine
Food, transport, records, and a backup caregiver belong in the same plan.
Start with normal daily care
Write down your pets’ usual food, feeding amounts, water needs, and care routine. Use the actual feeding information for your animals rather than a generic bag count. The calculator lets you enter a combined daily food amount; multiply it by your timeframe and subtract supplies already on hand. If a diet is prescribed or needs special storage, discuss an emergency plan with your veterinarian.
Make transport part of the kit
Ready.gov’s pet guidance emphasizes an evacuation plan, food and water, records, and suitable carriers or restraints. Check that the carrier or harness fits the animal and can be used by the person likely to help. A carrier buried behind storage boxes is harder to use when time is limited. Let everyday practice reveal awkward latches, missing labels, or equipment that needs replacement.
Confirm where your pet can go
Do not assume that a destination accepts every type of animal or that space will be available. Keep a short list of possible accommodation or boarding contacts, along with a trusted person who could help. Ask about species, size, vaccination documentation, and transport requirements before an emergency. Keep an accessible copy of veterinary contact information and relevant records, protected from water.
Pack for the cleanup as well as the meal
Bowls, waste bags, litter supplies where relevant, bedding, and familiar comfort items make the plan more complete. Store food according to its instructions and rotate it through normal use. Write a brief care card so another person can handle the routine without guessing. Revisit the kit when an animal’s diet, size, medication, or mobility changes. A calculator estimate does not replace species-specific veterinary advice.
Your next steps
- Calculate food using your pets’ actual routine.
- Check carriers, restraints, and identifying information.
- Confirm possible destinations and a backup caregiver.
- Keep care instructions and veterinary records accessible.
Source and further reading
Ready.gov: prepare your pets for disasters. Source checked October 28, 2026. Examples and planning workflows are provided by Offgrid Family.
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