How to plan for dogs, cats and small animals in a power outage: how much water and food to store, keeping them warm or cool, medications, and evacuating with pets.
- Plan about 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day, more in heat.
- Keep 3 to 7 days of food, medication and records in your kit.
- Do not leave pets behind. Plan pet-friendly places before you need them.
Water for pets
A common rule of thumb is about 1 oz of water per lb of body weight per day. Dogs that are active, nursing animals and pets in hot weather need more. Add pet water to your household total so you do not run short. The water planner has a pet setting that does this for you.
Food and medication
- Keep at least 3 days of food, ideally 7, in a sealed, waterproof container. Rotate it so it stays fresh.
- Pack a manual can opener and a spoon if you feed canned food.
- Keep a week of any medication, and a copy of the prescription.
- Store vaccination and vet records in your 72 hour kit.
Pet go-kit
- Carrier or crate for each pet, big enough to stand and turn
- Collar with ID tag and a leash or harness
- Current photo of you with your pet
- Microchip details kept up to date
- Bowls, a blanket or familiar toy
- Litter, a tray and waste bags
- Towels and pet-safe cleaner
- Any special items, such as a cooling mat or coat
- Medications and a small pet first aid kit
- Vet phone number and an after-hours clinic
- Records and vaccination proof
- Flea and tick prevention if it is due
Keeping pets warm or cool
- Cold: bring pets inside and keep them in your warm room. Add a coat or extra bedding for short-haired, small or older animals. See how to stay warm.
- Heat: give shade, water and a cool spot. Never leave a pet in a parked car. See the heat wave guide.
- Carbon monoxide affects pets too. Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors.
If you have to leave
- Take pets with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them.
- Many emergency shelters do not take pets, except service animals. Look up pet-friendly hotels, boarding or friends in advance.
- Keep pets in carriers or on leashes in a car. Keep the kit by the door.
- See the wildfire and evacuation guide for go-bag basics.
Small animals, birds, reptiles and fish
These pets often need steady heat, light or oxygen, which stops when the power does. Ask your vet or pet store about backup options such as a battery air pump for an aquarium, and how long your animal can safely go without heat. A small power station can help (check the watts) but always confirm with your vet first.
Quick answers
How much water does a dog need in an outage?
A common rule of thumb is about 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day, and more in hot weather or for active dogs. Ask your vet for your dog.
Can I take my pet to an emergency shelter?
Many shelters only accept service animals. Check your local emergency office ahead of time and have a backup plan with friends, family or a pet-friendly hotel.
Do pets need a go-kit?
Yes. Include food, water, medication, records, a carrier, ID and a photo of you with your pet.