Developing an emergency plan for your family is essential — and that includes your pets. Whether a storm hits or your pet injures themselves, being prepared can make all the difference. And no preparedness plan is complete without a well-stocked first aid kit.
So, in honor of Pet First Aid Awareness Month, here's what to include in a pet emergency kit and best practices to keep your furry pals safe all year.
What Is Pet First Aid Awareness Month?
Each April, the American Red Cross raises awareness about pet first aid and emergency preparedness. The organization provides an online class and app as part of this initiative. The goal is to educate pet parents so they can better prepare for emergencies and keep their pets safe.
"Once a disaster strikes, there is often little time to react, so I advise pet parents to take these simple steps now to ensure their families, which includes their pets, are ready to act quickly. It's critical to create a disaster preparedness plan and pack a pet emergency kit to add to your supplies," explains Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Chief Animal Welfare and Medical Officer at Houston SPCA, a leading agency in emergency response for more than 40 years.
"You also want to make sure your pets' microchips and ID collars have your updated contact information. Remember, you can also reach out to your veterinarian and local animal shelter for additional tips on how best to prepare."
Of course, emergencies can happen any time of year. So, there's no time like the present to stock a preparedness kit for your pets and learn skills that could save your dog's or cat's life.
What to Include in a Pet Emergency Kit
Make sure you're ready to administer first aid to your kitty or pup if they get sick or injured. Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and DogTime recommend including these essential items in a first aid kit for pets:
Basic First Aid Supplies
Disposable gloves
Antiseptic wipes
Sterile, nonstick gauze pads
Rolled gauze for bandages
Adhesive tape
Cohesive bandage wrap
Gauze sponges
Cotton balls and swabs
Saline solution
Eyewash solution
Styptic powder
Ice pack
Tools and Implements
Tweezers
Blunt-nosed scissors
Dosing syringe or eye dropper
Rectal thermometer
Medications
Antihistamines
Antibiotic ointment
3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting
Antacids with famotidine
Hydrocortisone cream
Prescription medications (enough to tide your pet over if you can't get a refill right away)
Additional Essentials
Your pet's medical records and proof of vaccination
Emergency veterinarian contact information
Poison control hotline numbers
Towels or blankets
An extra leash
A basket muzzle to prevent stressed dogs from nipping or biting their helpers
Tasty Tips
Pet Emergency Kit Best Practices
Keep these considerations in mind as you assemble your pet emergency kit.
Take Your Area's Climate Into Account
Consider the types of natural disasters or emergencies you might face in your area, such as hurricanes, wildfires or snow storms. Include items to get your pet safely through an emergency, whether you shelter in place or need to evacuate.
For example, if you live in an area that experiences extreme heat, include items to help your pet cool off, especially if you have a dog who's susceptible to breathing issues and heat illness like pugs or French bulldogs. Add extra water bottles or a bowl to your kit and a rectal thermometer to check their temperature.
Store Your Kit Safely
Keep your kit in a dry, safe, easily accessible place. You may want to store multiple kits, such as one at home and one in your car if you travel with your pet. While you should have easy access to the kit, keep it out of your pet's reach to prevent them from chewing or swallowing any items.
Check Your Kit Regularly
Go through your kit periodically to replace any used-up or expired items.
Learn First Aid Skills
Know how to use the items in your first aid kit. Talk to your vet about proper dosing for emergency medications, and consider taking a pet first aid class. Key skills you may want to learn include checking your pet's vital signs, administering CPR, helping a choking dog or choking cat, and caring for wounds.
Know When to Contact Your Vet
While your emergency kit can help you treat an issue early, always contact your vet, too. They can help direct you on how to best use your first aid kit (especially any medications) and determine whether you need to bring your pet in for professional care.
A Well-Stocked Kit for Peace of Mind
In an emergency, being prepared and acting quickly can make a big difference in your pet's outcome and help you both stay calm. While hopefully you'll never need to use your emergency kit, it can give you invaluable peace of mind that you're prepared to handle whatever comes your and your pet's way.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Related articles
Dogs & Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrushes & Brushing Tips
Dogs & Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrushes & Brushing Tips
What do animal shelters do?
An animal shelter near you takes in homeless animals. Learn how it shows animals in shelters aren't there for behavioral or medical problems, and many make healthy pets in loving homes.
Understanding Shedding Season for Cats and Dogs
Learn all about dog & cat shedding seasons, including what a typical shedding cycle looks like and how to deal with all the hair in your home.
Easy DIY Dog & Cat Toys: Nine of Our Favorites
Browse this comprehensive guide for several of our favorite DIY dog and cat toys that are sure to put a little pep in your pet's step.
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Can Be Double the Fun
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
Flea and Tick Medication: Oral vs. Topical Treatments
Learn the difference between oral vs. topical flea and tick medications so that you can decide which one might be most effective for your dog or cat.
Keeping Pets Calm During Thunderstorms
Is your dog scared of thunder? Does your kitty dart under the bed at the first rumble? Learn a few tips for keeping your pets calm during the storm.
How to Help Pets After A Natural Disaster
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
My Pet Ate a Lizard — What Should I Do?
Learn what to do if your pet eats a lizard, including whether they can be toxic and symptoms to keep an eye on when they've swallowed one.
Do Dogs and Cats have Belly Buttons?
Learn whether cats & dogs have belly buttons like humans, what the function is, and if there are any health concerns associated with it.
Understanding Sustainable Pet Food: How Your Pet's Food Impacts the Environment
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
What Dog Breed is Best for My Cat?
Learn why some dog breeds are better for cats than others, including recommendations based on breed size & temperament, and tips for introducing them.
How to Become a Pet Nutritionist or Vet
Want to know how to become a vet or a pet nutritionist? Learn the basics from veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, including education requirements & specialties.
10 Responsible Pet Care Tips
Get helpful pet care tips you can use every day, such as vet visit and identification advice, to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
What You Need for a Pet Disaster Plan
When the worst happens, you might not know what to do. Find out how to create a pet disaster plan to keep your fur baby happy, healthy and safe.
How Much Water Should Dogs & Cats Drink Each Day?
Learn why water is vital to your pet's health, including how much water dogs & cats should drink per day and what to do if they drink too much/not enough.
What to Expect After a Pet Cancer Diagnosis
Learn important considerations following a pet cancer diagnosis, including treatment choices, general expectations and information on palliative care.
Shelter Heroes: How a Pet Adoption Counselor Finds Forever Homes
Learn about one dog trainer's journey to becoming a pet adoption counselor and how she's honed her skills to match people up with just the right pets.
Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pet This Year
Learn some of the heart-warming reasons that you should be thankful for your pet this Thanksgiving holiday.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.