Why Every Pet Parent & Professional Needs a Disaster Plan

At Dogs On The Run, we’re known for going above and beyond to ensure pets receive the very best care. But caring for pets isn’t just about daily walks or cuddles—it’s also about being ready for the unexpected.

With Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 8, we’re reminded that emergencies can happen at any time. Fires, earthquakes, floods, and even human-caused disasters may strike with little warning. When they do, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’re prepared to keep your pet safe.

That’s why having a plan—before disaster strikes—isn’t just smart; it’s essential.

Disasters Happen—Preparation Protects

Imagine you’re at work when a wildfire moves toward your neighborhood. Or a client’s dog is in your care when sudden flooding forces evacuations. Do you know exactly what to do?

Disaster preparedness looks different depending on whether you’re a pet parent or a pet care professional, but the goal is the same: get pets to safety quickly and with as little stress as possible.

The first step is awareness. Every area has its own risks. Here in Southern California, wildfires and earthquakes top the list. For others, hurricanes or tornadoes may be more likely. Take a moment to think about what disasters could impact your home—or the homes of the clients you serve.

From there, map out what you’d need to do in each scenario. Evacuating for a wildfire isn’t the same as sheltering in place for a storm. Planning now buys you precious time later.

Your Pet’s Safety Starts with Simple Details

One of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to safeguard pets during a disaster is updated identification. Every pet should wear a collar with an ID tag showing their name, your current cell number, and their rabies tag.

If you haven’t microchipped your pet, it’s worth considering—microchips are invaluable if pets become separated from their families.

It’s also smart to gather your pet’s key information into one place: vet records, vaccination dates, medications, and a clear photo. Whether you store this digitally or in a physical folder, having quick access could make all the difference if you need to provide proof of ownership or medical history during an emergency.

Evacuation Plans Include Pets—Always

One of the most heartbreaking lessons from past disasters is how many pets were left behind simply because their owners didn’t know where they could bring them.

If evacuation becomes necessary, assume your pet must leave with you. But not every hotel, shelter, or rental accepts animals. Do you know where you could go tonight if you had to leave suddenly?

Look up pet-friendly hotels in your region and shelters that accept pets during emergencies. Save their addresses and phone numbers in your phone—and print a hard copy for your emergency kit.

If you’re a pet care professional, think ahead: if a disaster strikes while a pet is in your care, do you have a safe evacuation plan for them?

Stock Up Before You Need It

No emergency kit is complete without pet essentials. Make sure you have:

• A supply of pet food and water for at least five days

• Extra leashes, collars, and a carrier for each pet

• Medications

• Waste bags, litter, and a litter pan (if needed)

• Comfort items like a favorite blanket or toy

• A pet first aid kit

Rotate supplies every few months to keep them fresh.

And remember: a carrier isn’t optional. Each pet should have their own properly sized carrier ready to go—big enough to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Practice loading your pet into it so they won’t panic if you ever need to evacuate.

Communication Saves Lives

Perhaps the most overlooked part of disaster planning is communication. Pet parents: have you shared your plan with your pet care professional? Professionals: do you know your client’s preferences and emergency contacts?

If you’re traveling or away from home when disaster strikes, your pet sitter could be their first line of defense. Make sure they know where your emergency supplies are, how to access your home if needed, and how to reach you in an emergency.

At Dogs On The Run, we’re committed to working alongside both pet parents and professionals to make sure no pet is left behind, overlooked, or unaccounted for.

Preparedness Is Care, Too

Taking time now to prepare doesn’t just give you peace of mind—it could save your pet’s life. Whether you’re a pet parent or a professional caregiver, we encourage you to revisit your emergency plans this week.

And if you’re not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Reach out to our concierge team for guidance on creating or updating your disaster preparedness plan for the pets in your care.

Because at Dogs On The Run, we don’t just care for pets—we protect them. 🐾