Every pet owner has, at some point, wondered what’s going on inside their pet’s mind – with personalities that keep us entertained (and guessing!).
Treats? Naps? Walks? Belly Rubs? The pesky red laser dot?
Of all the possibilities, emergencies probably aren't high on the list – but they should be! So that’s why us humans need to do the emergency pet planning for them.
Why emergency planning for your pets matters
Considering how easily a cat can be startled by the unexpected (if you know, you know), it’s hard to predict how they’ll react in an emergency.
An emergency plan allows you to consider the steps you’ll take, the supplies you’ll have ready, and the options available in various scenarios. Thinking about it now means you don’t have to lose time planning should something happen – giving you more time in the moment.
Not to mention, an emergency plan for your pets can help you, too. Some disasters have seen humans risk their own lives in order to rescue their pets, making it even more important to avoid these scenarios altogether.
Creating a written pet emergency plan
Writing it down can help you to organise your thoughts and give you a roadmap for what you can do now to prepare for emergency situations later.
- Get your pets microchipped so they can be easily ID should they go missing
- Prepare crates/carriers/cages somewhere easily accessible
- Get your pets familiar with their crates ahead of time
- Prepare a to-go bag with pet food, paperwork, and a pet medical kit
- Learn some basic pet first aid
- Sign up to receive alerts so you know about emergencies as soon as possible
- Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date (this may be necessary if you need to board them)
- Do a trial run to see how quickly you can get your pet and their supplies into your car safely (and see if you can make any changes to speed up the process)
- Research nearby animal hospitals and vets so you have a list ahead of time
What to include in your pet’s emergency kit
Unless you have a kangaroo, your pets don’t have pockets. You’ll need to prepare their emergency supplies kit and have it ready to go.
You know best what they need – and their favourite toys – but here’s a quick list to get you started:
- Medications (rotate these out frequently so they don’t expire)
- Paperwork (pet identification, vaccinations, vet details, your contact details)
- Collars/leads/harnesses
- Water and food (rotate these to avoid expiration)
- Litter and a litter tray, pee pads, poo bags etc
- Toys and bedding or nesting materials
- Transportation (cage/carrier etc)
Be sure to keep this emergency kit with, but not inside, the carrier, so you don’t have to remove everything first in case you need to leave quickly.
Safe transport tips for pets
For those evacuating by car with their furry friends, keep these tips in mind:
- Put pets in the back seat (this protects them from airbag deployment)
- Restrain their carrier using seat belts (no free roaming)
- Ensure they have adequate ventilation for breathing and temperature control
- Take rest stops when you can do so safely
- Bring familiar items to help keep them calm
- Pack your medical kit with motion sickness treatments just in case
Finding pet-friendly safe havens
Large-scale emergencies often provide people with evacuation centres, such as schools and stadiums. However, they’re not always pet friendly.
The first task will be to check the official messaging to see if pets are welcome in evacuation centres and in what capacity. If not, you may need to try elsewhere.
Pet-friendly accommodation can be a good option, and some animal shelters may also accept evacuees.
Of course, this is a great time to call in some favours amongst friends and family as well.
Planning for unexpected vet costs
Emergency planning isn’t just about logistics – it can also include thinking about how you’d manage the cost of urgent veterinary care.
In an emergency, treatment decisions often need to be made quickly. Having a plan in place for how you’ll cover eligible vet expenses can make those moments easier to navigate.
Pet insurance is one way some owners choose to prepare. Depending on the policy and level of cover, it can help with the cost of eligible treatments for accidents and illnesses.
As with any financial product, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered, including any limits, exclusions and waiting periods. Reviewing your options ahead of time can help you decide whether pet insurance is right for you and your pet.
Practising and reviewing your plan
Plan in place? Good. Now it’s time to practice it and make improvements.
At least once a year, do a practice run of packing up the pets and all their gear. Is everything easy to reach? Did you lose time taking things out of their carriers? Is all of their emergency kit food and medication still valid?
Making sure your pet is protected when emergencies happen is one of the most important plans you can make – from having supplies ready to understanding how you’ll manage unexpected costs. Learn how Buddy Pet Insurance can support your planning today.
21 Jul 2026