In an emergency, cats and dogs depend entirely on how well you are prepared. A little planning helps keep them safe — and much calmer.
During floods, power outages, or other major disruptions, routines disappear quickly. Veterinary care may be limited, transport disrupted, and shelters may not accept animals. Pets should therefore be part of your household emergency plan, not an afterthought.
Plan for at least 72 hours of pet care. This means having enough food and drinking water specifically for your pet, along with bowls, leashes or harnesses, and a secure carrier (especially important for cats).
Medication deserves special attention. If your pet needs regular medication, keep an emergency supply with clear dosage instructions. In addition, many pets react strongly to loud noises such as sirens, explosions, or structural damage. Some animals may benefit from calming or anxiety-reducing medication in these situations. Always consult your veterinarian in advance about which medication is appropriate for your pet and what dosage is safe to use in an emergency. Never give medication without professional advice.
Printed veterinary contact details, vaccination records, and microchip information should be kept on paper in case digital systems are unavailable.
Comfort items also matter. A familiar blanket or toy can significantly reduce stress for pets during chaotic situations.
Dogs generally adapt more easily to changes but still need secure leashes and controlled movement if surroundings are unsafe. Cats are more sensitive to noise and unfamiliar spaces and should always have a ready-to-use carrier. Trying to catch or transport a cat without preparation is one of the most common problems during emergencies.
Pet supplies should be stored with or next to your emergency kit, so everything can be taken at once. Food, medication, carriers, and documents should be ready to grab without searching.
In dense Dutch neighbourhoods, cooperation helps. Agree with neighbours on who could assist with pets if you’re not home and include pet considerations in your neighbours’ WhatsApp group or emergency plan.
LifeBag’s waterproof backpack leaves space for pet-related items such as food, medication, documents, and small supplies. Booster Packs make it easy to add extra food, water, or hygiene items for pets without duplicating tools, keeping everything organised and easy to carry.
Emergency preparedness for pets isn’t about overplanning. It’s about removing stress — for you and for them.
When food, medication, transport, and comfort items are already prepared, you can focus on keeping your pet safe instead of improvising when it matters most.
