Storms, wildfires, or a police emergency in our neighborhood could all be reasons for evacuation.  Whatever the reason for abandoning one’s home, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit or “Evac-Pack” ready. While people typically have a pre-packed bag for themselves, far fewer have one for their furry family members. Here are some essential items that we strongly recommend having on hand in case of an emergency:

To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

  • Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain their name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs.  Also, be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
  • The Brevard Humane Society recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters and vet offices.
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or disaster. Unfortunately, pets can become disoriented and wander away from home.
  • Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
    • Pet first-aid kit (contact your vet on what to include)
    • A week’s supply of canned and/or dry food
    • Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
    • Litter, Pee Pads, and paper towels
    • Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
    • Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
    • Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
    • Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
    • Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)
    • At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet
    • A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
    • Flashlight
    • Familiar Bedding /Blanket to help reduce stress
    • Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
    • Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter
    • Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner

  • Rabbit’s digestive systems are very sensitive to stress and should be kept as normal as possible. Therefore, a 2 week supply of rabbit pellets and hay are essential to their diet as fresh vegetables might not be available.
  • Airtight, waterproof containers (for hay and pellets)
  • 2 week supply of water
  • Towel(s)
  • Food & water bowls
  • Rabbits are unfortunately prone to heat stroke, so if temperatures are expected to exceed 80 degrees, include a 2 liter frozen bottle of water or ice to dampen a towel
  • Small litter box & 2 weeks supply of litter (shavings)
  • Pet carrier or collapsible crate

  • Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.
  • Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hide box or tube, a week’s worth of bedding.

  • Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
  • In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
  • In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird’s feathers.
  • Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.
  • If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.
  • Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
  • It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.
  • Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.