Emergencies rarely come with a warning—and when they do happen, pets are often the most vulnerable members of the family. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to revisit your emergency plans and ensure your pets are included every step of the way.

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH Surrey), we see firsthand how critical preparation can be. As a 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital, we’re here when the unexpected happens—but having a plan in place can make all the difference before you ever need us.

Why Pet Preparedness Is So Important

Across Canada, natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events continue to impact communities. In British Columbia especially, wildfire seasons and flooding have forced thousands to evacuate with little notice.

Pets depend entirely on us during emergencies. Without a plan, families may be forced into difficult decisions—sometimes even leaving pets behind. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pet—never leave them behind, even temporarily.

Preparedness isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, reunification, and reducing stress for both you and your pet.

Build a Pet-Inclusive Emergency Plan

A well-thought-out plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do when time is limited.

Start with these key steps:

• Assign roles: Decide in advance who is responsible for each pet, their carrier, and emergency supplies.
• Identify safe destinations: Research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or trusted friends and family outside your immediate area.
• Plan for different scenarios: Consider what happens if you’re not home. Arrange for a trusted neighbour or nearby contact who has a key, knows your pet’s routine, and can access your home if needed. Rescue alert stickers on doors or windows can notify first responders that pets are inside.
• Write it down: Keep a printed version of your plan with your emergency kit and share it with caregivers or pet sitters.
• Act early: Pet-friendly accommodations and boarding options can fill quickly during evacuations, so leaving sooner gives you more flexibility and keeps your pet safer.

Practicing your plan regularly—just like a fire drill—can help both you and your pet feel more prepared.

What Should Be in Your Pet Emergency Kit?

Every pet owner should have a ready-to-go emergency kit stored in an accessible, waterproof container.

Your kit should include:

• Food and water: A minimum 3–7 day supply, plus portable bowls.
• Medications and records: At least two weeks’ worth, along with copies of prescriptions and medical history.
• Identification: Collar with ID tags, microchip information, and a recent photo.
• Leash, harness, and carrier: Clearly labeled with your contact details.
• Sanitation supplies: Waste bags, litter, litter box, and cleaning items.
• Basic first aid supplies: Pet-safe bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and tweezers.
• Comfort items: Familiar toys, bedding, or even an item with your scent.
• Proof of ownership: A photo of you with your pet can help if you’re separated.

It’s also important to ensure your pet’s microchip registration and ID tags are up to date, as this is one of the most effective ways to be reunited if you are separated. Consider including a list of local shelters, animal control, and veterinary clinics in your kit so you know exactly where to turn if your pet goes missing.

Make it a habit to check your kit every few months to replace expired items and adjust for seasonal needs.

Helping Your Pet Handle Evacuation and Travel

Leaving home quickly can be stressful—for both pets and people. Preparation can help reduce anxiety and improve safety.

To get your pet ready:

• Gradually introduce carriers and car rides so they feel familiar.
• Keep vaccination records and travel documents easily accessible.
• Identify pet-friendly accommodations ahead of time.
• Practice short “mock evacuations” to build comfort and routine.
• Bring pets indoors early when a threat is developing so they are easy to locate and transport quickly.

If air travel is ever required, review current policies from airlines like Air Canada or WestJet, as requirements can change.

Stay Connected and Informed

In an emergency, access to accurate, real-time information is essential.

Make sure you:

• Follow trusted updates from provincial and municipal emergency services.
• Register for local emergency alert systems.
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available.
• Monitor reliable news sources and official social media channels.

After the Emergency: Keeping Your Pet Safe

The danger doesn’t always end when the immediate emergency passes. Pets can become disoriented due to unfamiliar surroundings, scents, and disruptions to routine.

• Keep pets leashed or in carriers when outside.
• Watch for signs of stress such as hiding, pacing, or changes in appetite.
• Reintroduce routines gradually to help them feel secure again.
• Check your home and yard for hazards before allowing pets to roam freely.

Taking these steps can help prevent pets from becoming lost or injured in the aftermath.

Final Thoughts

Emergencies are unpredictable—but preparation gives you control when it matters most. Including your pet in your emergency planning not only protects their safety, but also reduces stress and confusion during an already difficult time.

This June, take a few simple steps:

• Review your plan.
• Update your emergency kit.
• Practice your evacuation routine.

And remember—if the unexpected happens, the team at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is here 24/7 to support you and your pet when you need it most.

Additional Resources

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
• BC SPCA Pet Disaster Preparedness
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Emergency Preparedness

Why is pet emergency preparedness important?

Pet emergency preparedness helps protect pets during disasters such as wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events. Having a plan in place can improve safety, reduce stress, and increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if you become separated.

What is National Pet Preparedness Month?

National Pet Preparedness Month takes place in June and encourages pet owners to review emergency plans, update supplies, and ensure pets are included in disaster preparedness efforts.

Should I evacuate with my pet during an emergency?

Yes. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Pets should never be left behind during an evacuation, even temporarily.

What should be included in a pet emergency plan?

A pet emergency plan should identify who is responsible for each pet, outline evacuation destinations, include arrangements for care if you are not home, and provide written instructions that can be shared with caregivers or pet sitters.

Where can I take my pet during an evacuation?

Pet owners should research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and trusted friends or family members outside their immediate area before an emergency occurs.

What should I pack in a pet emergency kit?

A pet emergency kit should include food and water, medications, medical records, identification information, a leash or harness, a carrier, sanitation supplies, basic first aid items, comfort items, and proof of ownership.

How much food and water should I keep in a pet emergency kit?

The emergency kit should contain at least a three- to seven-day supply of food and water for your pet, along with portable bowls.

How much medication should be included in a pet emergency kit?

Pet owners should keep at least two weeks’ worth of medications in their emergency kit, along with copies of prescriptions and medical history records.

Why is microchip information important during an emergency?

Keeping microchip registration information and ID tags up to date is one of the most effective ways to help reunite pets with their owners if they become separated during an emergency.

What documents should I keep for my pet in case of an evacuation?

Important documents include vaccination records, prescriptions, medical history, microchip information, identification details, and a recent photo of your pet.

How can I prepare my pet for evacuation?

Pets can be prepared for evacuation by becoming familiar with carriers and car rides, participating in practice evacuations, and having travel documents readily available.

What is a mock evacuation for pets?

A mock evacuation is a practice exercise that helps pets and their owners become familiar with evacuation procedures, transportation routines, and emergency preparedness steps before a real emergency occurs.

How can I reduce stress for my pet during an emergency?

Providing familiar items such as toys, bedding, or objects with your scent can help comfort your pet. Practicing emergency procedures in advance may also reduce anxiety during an actual evacuation.

What should I do if I am not home when an emergency happens?

Pet owners should arrange for a trusted neighbour or nearby contact who has access to the home, understands the pet’s routine, and can assist if an evacuation becomes necessary.

What are rescue alert stickers and why are they useful?

Rescue alert stickers placed on doors or windows can inform first responders that pets are inside the home and may need assistance during an emergency.

How often should I update my pet emergency kit?

Pet emergency kits should be checked every few months to replace expired items and adjust supplies based on seasonal needs.

What should I do with my pet after an emergency?

After an emergency, pets should be kept on a leash or in a carrier when outdoors, monitored for signs of stress, and gradually returned to their normal routines.

What signs of stress should I watch for in my pet after a disaster?

Common signs of stress may include hiding, pacing, or changes in appetite following an emergency or evacuation.

How can I stay informed during a pet-related emergency?

Pet owners should follow trusted updates from provincial and municipal emergency services, register for local emergency alerts, monitor official news and social media channels, and keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available.

Why should pet owners leave early during an evacuation?

Leaving early can provide more options for pet-friendly accommodations and boarding facilities, which may fill quickly during large-scale evacuations.