Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Dog
A grab-and-go checklist for your dog, plus the drills and comfort items that make an evacuation easier.
When an evacuation order comes, you have minutes, not hours. The Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025 showed how fast families and their pets can be forced from home. A dog emergency kit packed in advance means you grab one bag and go, instead of hunting for the leash and the pills. Here is everything to pack.
Pack 3 to 7 days of your dog's regular food in airtight containers, bottled water and a collapsible bowl, at least a week of any medication, their records and spare ID tags, a leash and harness, a first aid kit, a blanket and portable crate, poop bags, a flashlight, and a favorite toy or chew to help them settle.
Why does my dog need an emergency kit?
In an emergency, your dog relies entirely on you. Events like wildfires are highly stressful for dogs: routines disappear and anxiety rises. A ready kit lets you meet their needs quickly and keep them safe, calm and comfortable.
What should be in a dog emergency kit?
| Item | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Food and water | 3 to 7 days of regular food in airtight containers, bottled water and a collapsible bowl, in case clean water is limited |
| Medications | At least a week's supply with clear dosing instructions, especially for chronic conditions |
| ID and documents | Vaccination records, medical history, microchip details and extra ID tags with updated contact information |
| Leash, harness and muzzle | A sturdy leash and harness for crowded or unfamiliar places; a muzzle in case your dog feels scared or overwhelmed |
| First aid | Bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and a pet first aid manual for minor injuries |
| Blanket and portable crate | A familiar safe space during evacuations and temporary shelter stays |
| Hygiene | Poop bags, disinfectant wipes and a towel |
| Toys and chews | Favorite toys, chews and an interactive toy for downtime |
| Flashlight | For nighttime evacuations, with spare batteries or a solar-powered option |
Keep the ID tags current. If you do get separated, they are your fastest route back to each other, and our lost dog success stories show why they matter.
How do I keep my dog calm during an evacuation?
Comfort items earn their place in the bag. Calming chews and a fillable Freezbone toy give your dog something familiar to focus on, which helps keep them distracted when everything around them is chaotic.
Freezbone tip
No freezer on the road? Fill the toy with your dog's own kibble. It still gives them a job to do, and you are not adding anything new to their diet in a stressful week.
Learn your dog's stress signs too: excessive panting, whining and pacing. Spot them early and reach for the blanket, crate or toy. Our guide on whether licking calms dogs explains why a lick-and-chew toy can help.
“This is our girls second freezebone! We call this the wheel if treats! Took her 45 minutes to finish-helps her anxiety and keeps her busy! Thanks!”
Lisa H., verified buyer
How do I prepare my dog before an emergency?
Practice
- Run evacuation drills with your dog
- Get them used to the crate and kit items
Stay informed
- Monitor local weather and emergency updates
- If evacuation looks likely, act early
A crate your dog already loves is far easier in an emergency. Our crate training plan uses frozen toys to build that habit.
Which chews should go in the kit?
Pack your dog's favorite toys and chews for the long waits. An interactive toy keeps their mind off stressful surroundings, and a natural chew gives them something to work through in a strange place.
Before you zip the bag: check medication dates, refresh the food and water, and confirm the contact details on every tag. For a full seasonal checklist, see our pet preparedness guide.
General information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet what medications and first aid supplies your dog should have on hand.
Frequently asked questions
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Pack a 3 to 7 day supply of your dog's regular food in airtight containers, plus bottled water and a collapsible bowl.
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At least a week's supply of any medication your dog needs, with clear dosing instructions. This matters most for dogs with chronic conditions.
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Vaccination records, medical history and microchip details, plus extra ID tags with your updated contact information.
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Bring familiar comforts: a blanket, a portable crate, favorite toys and chews. Watch for stress signs like excessive panting, whining and pacing.
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Yes. Drills make the process familiar, so your dog is more comfortable with the crate, the car and the kit items when it counts.
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