Household Checklist
Pet Preparedness Checklist. Everything your pet needs, checked and current.
A pet kit that sits packed and forgotten is a pet kit that fails when it matters. Food expires, medications change, animals outgrow carriers, and phone numbers on ID tags go stale. This checklist tracks every item in the kit and every maintenance interval so the kit stays current.
14 days
food supply target
1 gal
water per pet, 3 days
30 days
medication buffer
1x/year
full kit audit at vet visit
Section 1
Food and Water.
Store what your pet actually eats, in the quantity that covers an extended evacuation. Rotate on the same schedule you check your household supplies.
Pet Care
- Store 10 to 14 days of your pet's regular food in a sealed container
- Store at least one gallon of water per pet for three days
Section 2
Transport and Identification.
The carrier is the structural item the rest of the kit depends on. If the carrier does not fit, nothing else matters. Backup identification gets a lost pet home.
Pet Care
- Have a carrier or crate that fits your pet comfortably
- Pack a backup leash and collar inside the kit
- Verify the ID tag on the backup collar has your current phone number
Section 3
Records and Medications.
Shelters require proof of vaccination. Hotels require it. Boarding facilities require it. A printed copy in the kit is the only copy that works when your phone is dead.
Pet Care
- Find and copy your pet vaccination records
- Confirm your microchip registration has your current phone number and address
- Keep a 30-day supply of any prescription medications in the kit
- Include one month of flea and tick prevention
Section 4
Sanitation and Comfort.
Shelters and hotels expect you to clean up after your animal. A familiar blanket and toy reduce stress for the animal and make an unfamiliar space tolerable.
Pet Care
- Pack waste bags, cat litter, a disposable pan, paper towels, and enzyme cleaner
- Include a familiar blanket, one toy, and treats
Section 5
First Aid.
Minor wound care for cuts, scrapes, and paw injuries during evacuation. The poison control number covers the rest.
Pet Care
- Pack gauze, non-stick pads, medical tape, and antiseptic wipes for wound care
- Write the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number on the carrier: (888) 426-4435
Gear
Essentials. Start here.
A solid carrier and basic first aid supplies handle most of what a pet needs during evacuation.
My Readiness
Save this checklist to your dashboard
Free account. Access your saved checklists from any device. No spam.
Personalize
Get a checklist built for your household
Answer 21 questions about your home, location, and situation. We'll tailor this checklist and every other one to match.
Take the Assessment