Pets in an emergency: food, carriers, floods and fallout

Official advice first

GOV.UK Be Ready's 3-day kit includes pet food and bottled water. That's the only pet line on the UK government list, so for the detail we use the two big UK animal charities, PDSA and the RSPCA, and UKHSA for radiation emergencies. Where we use US advice (Ready.gov), we say so.

The pet grab bag

PDSA's list, with a few extras from Ready.gov (marked US):

• A week of sealed pet food (PDSA)
• Fresh water and folding bowls (PDSA)
• Medicines your pet takes, in a waterproof container (PDSA; Ready.gov, US)
• Lead, collar with ID tag, and a spare (PDSA; spare from Ready.gov, US)
• Poo bags and bedding (PDSA). For cats: litter and a tray (Ready.gov, US)
• A carrier for cats and small pets, one per pet if you can (PDSA; Ready.gov, US)
• Papers in a waterproof bag: microchip details, vet details, vaccination records and insurance, with a photo of your pet (PDSA)
• A pet first aid kit. Ready.gov (US) says ask your vet what to put in it.
• A familiar toy or blanket to help with stress (Ready.gov, US)

Keep the microchip details up to date. PDSA says this makes it much more likely you'll be reunited if you get separated.

Get your pet used to the carrier

Ready.gov (US) suggests leaving the carrier out and open at home, with treats and a familiar blanket inside, so your pet isn't frightened of it when you need it. Note where your pet hides when scared: that's where you'll need to look first.

Plan where your pet will go

• Ask a friend or relative who could take your pets, or look after them if you can't get home (PDSA; Ready.gov, US, calls this a "buddy system").
• Know your local kennels, catteries or pet sitters. PDSA warns that insurers may put you in temporary accommodation that doesn't allow pets.
• If you're told to leave home, take your pets with you if you can (Ready.gov, US; PDSA).

Floods

Before and when a flood is predicted (RSPCA):

• Plan an escape route, and keep numbers of people who could help move your animals.
• Have carriers ready, and keep food for you and your animals in case you need to leave.
• Bring small animals inside and upstairs if possible. Move food, bedding and fresh water somewhere dry.

If you can't take them (PDSA): leave pets in a safe upstairs room with plenty of food and water, and put a notice on the door or window saying pets are inside. Once you're safe, tell the RSPCA or a local flood warden.

Never put yourself at risk. The RSPCA says don't try to rescue stranded animals yourself. Call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, or the fire service on 999 in an emergency.

After a flood: PDSA says flood water is often contaminated and can carry leptospirosis, which can be fatal. Keep dogs vaccinated and away from flood water, and keep cats in with a litter tray. Dry wet animals quickly with towels, especially in cold weather (RSPCA).

See our full flood guide.

Radiation emergencies and fallout

UKHSA's What to do in a radiation emergency covers pets directly:

• If your pet is outside with you when you're told to go in, bring them indoors with you.
• If you're indoors and don't know where your pet is, don't go out to find them.
• Once you're indoors, don't let pets out. Keeping them in stops further exposure.
• Wash pets that were outside with shampoo or soap and water as soon as possible. Wear waterproof gloves and a face mask if you can.
• If you can't wash them, keep them in an area away from people in the household.

UKHSA also says food and drink that were already indoors, including tap water, will be safe to use, so the pet food and water in your kit are fine. See what to do if there's a nuclear attack warning.

Hot weather

Be Ready says never leave pets in a parked car or other small closed space, which can get dangerously hot quickly, and walk dogs at cooler times of day. See keeping cool in a heatwave.

Where official sourcing is weak

The UK government's only pet advice for everyday emergencies is "pet food and bottled water". The rest comes from PDSA and the RSPCA (UK charities), UKHSA for radiation, and Ready.gov, which is US guidance and is marked as such.

Related guides

• Pet emergency plan UK: a checklist for dogs, cats and small pets
• Grab bag list UK: what to pack if you have to leave home
• Radiation emergency in the UK: what official advice says (go in, stay in, tune in)
• Storm and flood preparation in the UK

Free tools

• Make a household emergency plan (free)

We're an independent UK site, not the government. We check guides against official sources and link to them. In an emergency call 999.

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