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 Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
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 Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
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 Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Related articles
What Do Veterinary Technicians & Nurses Do?
What do vet techs & nurses do? More than you realize! Learn about the important role veterinary technician's play as part of your pet's health care team.
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.
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.
What is Styptic Powder for Dogs & Cats?
Styptic Powder for Dogs & Cats: What Does it Do?
Compare Your Pet Food's Calories to Other Brands
Compare Hill's Science Diet dog and cat food's calories against other pet food brands and AAFCO recommended maximum calorie count.
Pet Spas: A Guide to Pet Pampering & Treatments
Discover typical services at pet spas, when you might need a grooming pro and tips for grooming your kitty or pooch at home.
Pet Sitter Checklist: 7 Essential Items
If you have a new sitter for your furry friend, use our pet sitter checklist to ensure they know your pet's essential info & exactly how to care for them.
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.
How to Care for Terminally Ill Pets
Terminal illness is one of the toughest things pet parents face. Learn how to handle caring for a terminally ill pet with end of life care.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
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.
Pet Food Labels Provide Limited Nutritional Information
Pet food labels only give you a fraction of the nutritional info you need to know when choosing a pet food. Learn what other factors should you consider.
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
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.
My Cat Hates My Dog: What Should I Do?
Learn the real reasons why your cat has aggression toward your dog, including types of aggression, why it happens, and tips for helping them get along.
Benefits of Antioxidants in Pet Food
Discover how antioxidants fight against free radicals in your dog or cat's body, and why they are so important to your pet's diet.
The History of "Fighting Like Cats and Dogs"
Are dogs and cats really mortal enemies or can they learn to get along. Read on to learn more about the myth of dogs and cats always fighting.
Cat vs. Dog: Which Is the Best Pet for Me?
Learn about important differences between dogs and cats, such as cost & space considerations. These factors can help you decide which pet is best for you.
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Benefits of Antioxidants for Dogs and Cats
A gray cat and German shepherd dog lie beside each other on a white carpet
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.