Packing a go bag for your dog or cat? Use this checklist for food, water, ID, medication, carriers and places to stay if you have to evacuate fast.
- Pack at least 72 hours of food and water, with 4 L (1 gal) a day for an average dog and 1 L (1 qt) for an average cat as a guide.
- Keep identification, a microchip, photos and records in a waterproof file, and pack medication with your vet's details.
- Plan pet friendly places to stay ahead of time, because most evacuation shelters accept only service animals.
When a wildfire, flood or storm forces you to leave, your pets cannot pack for themselves. A pet go bag is a ready to grab kit that lets you leave in minutes. This checklist follows Government of Canada guidance.
Why pets need their own bag
The Government of Canada says bringing your animal with you is the best way to protect it. It also notes that most evacuation shelters accept only service animals, so you need a plan for where your pet can stay. Keep the bag by the door or with your own go bag. See go bag vs 72 hour kit.
Food, water and bowls
Pack food and water for at least 72 hours. The planning figure is 4 litres (about 1 US gallon) per day for an average dog and 1 litre (about 1 quart) per day for an average cat. Add lightweight bowls and a manual can opener for canned food. Pack extra of any special diet.
Identification and records
Your pet should wear identification at all times, and a microchip is worth considering. Keep a waterproof file with recent photos of you with your pet, emergency contacts, medical and vaccination records and licences. A clear photo and records make reunion easier if you are separated.
Medication and first aid
Pack medication with dosage information and your veterinarian's contact details, and ask your vet how much to keep on hand. Do not give human medication unless a vet says so.
Carriers, leashes and comfort
Include a crate or carrier and a leash or harness for every animal. Add a familiar blanket or toy, waste bags, litter supplies, newspaper and paper towels.
Plan where you will stay
List pet friendly hotels, boarding centres, shelters, animal clinics and friends or family who can help, and keep the numbers on paper and in your phone. If you must leave an animal at home, do not tether or cage it, leave food and water, and post a sign listing the animals inside. Our guide to pets in a power outage covers staying home.
Quick answers
How much water should I pack for my pet?
Government of Canada guidance gives 4 litres a day for an average dog and 1 litre a day for an average cat, for at least 72 hours.
Can I bring my pet to an evacuation shelter?
Most evacuation shelters accept only service animals, so list pet friendly places to stay in advance.
What if I cannot take my pet?
Do not tether or cage it, leave food and water, and post a sign listing the animals inside. Bringing your pet is best.