Is Your Pet Ready for an Emergency? A Year‑Round Guide to Keeping Animals Safe

Emergencies rarely give us time to prepare. A thunderstorm rolls in faster than expected, a power outage lasts longer than we hoped, or a household accident catches us off guard. Pets feel these moments just as strongly as we do, sometimes more.
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While June is recognized across the country as National Pet Preparedness Month, the truth is that keeping our pets safe is something we can (and should) think about all year long. Here in West Michigan, weather can be unpredictable and rapidly changing, and pets rely on their humans to help guide them safely through stressful situations. We encourage everyone to register for emergency alerts to stay informed about what is happening in your area.  

 About the City of Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management 

​The City of Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management works year‑round to help our community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies of all kinds. We coordinate planning efforts, develop safety resources, and partner with organizations like Humane Society of West Michigan to make sure individuals and families, including their pets, have the information and tools they need to stay safe. Our mission is simple: empower every household in Grand Rapids to be ready before an emergency happens. 

That’s why we’re proud to team up with Humane Society of West Michigan to support pet parents in adopting simple, practical preparedness habits. A little planning now can make a big difference for every member of your family, whether they walk, hop, slither, or fly. 
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Below are helpful steps pet parents can take to build confidence and keep their animals safe during any emergency. 

Build or Refresh Your Pet Emergency Kit

You should have an emergency kit for every human in your household. Tips and guidance on what to include in those kits can be found on the Ready.gov website. 

In addition to emergency kits for humans, a well-stocked pet emergency kit can turn a chaotic moment into a manageable one. Having the essentials ready to grab ensures you’re prepared to leave quickly or shelter in place comfortably. 

Consider including: 
• At least three days of food and water 
• Medical and vaccination records 
• Food and water bowls 
• Waste bags, litter, or cleaning supplies 
• A sturdy leash, harness, or secure carrier 
• Comfort items like a favorite toy, treat, or blanket 
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If your pet takes medication, talk to your veterinarian about how to store a spare supply or safely rotate it. Make a habit of reviewing your kit every six months and replacing expired or worn items, it's quick, and your future self will thank you. ​

Create a Pet Emergency Profile

If someone else needed to care for your pet in an emergency, would they know how to help them feel safe and comfortable? Preparing a one‑page pet profile is an easy way to ensure your animal gets consistent, informed care. 

Include details like: 
• Feeding schedule and dietary needs 
• Medications and instructions 
• Veterinarian contact information 
• Vaccination records 
• Behavioral notes, fears, or comfort strategies 
• Emergency contact details 
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Not sure how to begin creating a pet emergency profile? Start by entering a simple prompt with your pet’s information or questions into an AI platform. The more details you provide, the more accurate and personalized the example profile will be for your pet. Be sure to review the profile and make sure all the information is accurate. Print a copy for your emergency kit and give another to a trusted friend or family member. ​

Check Identification

Pets can become disoriented or frightened during emergencies, increasing the chance of them slipping out a door or becoming separated from their family. Making sure their identification is up to date is one of the simplest and most effective preparedness steps you can take. 

Take a moment to: 
• Update ID tags with current contact information 
• Verify that your pet’s microchip registration is correct 
• Take recent photos of your pet from multiple angles 
• Keep a photo of you with your pet to help prove ownership 
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These quick actions can greatly increase the chances of a safe reunion if your pet becomes lost. ​

Practice Your Plan

Just like humans, pets handle stressful situations better when they've practiced what to expect. Turning preparedness into a calm, positive routine helps reduce panic for everyone. 

Try practicing by: 
• Loading your pet into their carrier or vehicle 
• Keeping leashes, harnesses, and carriers in a consistent place 
• Assigning who is responsible for each pet in your household 
• Timing how long it takes to gather all supplies 
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Reward your pet with treats and praise during practice. A familiar routine can make a frightening situation feel more manageable for them.

Plan Ahead for Pet‑Friendly Shelter Options

Not all shelters, hotels, or temporary housing locations accept pets, and the time to discover that is not during an emergency. Planning ahead helps you avoid difficult last‑minute decisions. 

Be prepared by: 
• Researching pet‑friendly hotels in and around your area 
• Identifying friends or family who could offer temporary shelter 
• Knowing the boarding facilities you trust 
• Saving important contacts and locations in your phone and emergency kit 
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Knowing your options ahead of time prevents the heartbreak of having to leave your pet behind. ​

Special Considerations for Senior Pets, Exotic Pets, and Large Animals ​

Every pet is unique, and some may require additional planning to stay safe during emergencies. 

Senior Pets 
Older animals may have mobility challenges, medical needs, or stress sensitivities. 
• Keep extra medications on hand. 
• Use ramps or slings if mobility is limited. 
• Consider a carrier with extra padding for joint comfort. 
• Allow extra time during practice drills so they don’t feel rushed. 

Exotic Pets (reptiles, birds, small mammals, amphibians) 
These pets often rely on very specific environments. 
• Include heat packs, thermometers, or backup heating sources. 
• Pack specialized food or habitat supplies. 
• Use secure travel enclosures and bring cleaning tools. 
• Know the location of exotic‑friendly veterinarians in the region.
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Large Animals (horses, goats, livestock) 
Large‑animal evacuation requires extra time and planning. 
• Practice trailer loading regularly, many emergencies happen when animals refuse to load. 
• Keep halters and lead ropes clearly labeled. 
• Identify multiple evacuation routes and boarding locations. 
• Connect with neighbors or local farms who can assist if you’re away. 

Preparedness can literally save lives in these situations.

Prepared Pets Are Safer Pets

Pets rely on us completely, especially during a crisis. Taking a few minutes now to build a kit, update identification, practice your plan, and consider the unique needs of your animals ensures they stay safe, comfortable, and by your side when it matters most. 

The City of Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management is proud to support our community, two‑legged and four‑legged alike, by providing resources, education, and practical guidance to help all families stay prepared.  
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For year‑round safety tips, seasonal reminders, and pet‑friendly preparedness information, follow @ReadyGrandRapids. ​