Preparing for Extreme Weather with Pets: A Guide for Older Adults

Authors: Mary Ellen Welch and Sara Tomis
mary.welch@uconn.edu

Reviewer: Casey Pacheco, DVM, Stafford Veterinary Center
Publication EXT205 | April 2026

DOI Pending

Introduction

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, are increasing in frequency and severity. In some cases, weather events may require residents to evacuate their homes for safety reasons. 

Evacuating during extreme weather can be stressful for both people and pets. Therefore, it is important to prepare in advance to keep you, your family, and your pet healthy and safe. 

This fact sheet is for older adults and those that work with older adult audiences to guide emergency preparedness for pets. 

Prepare Ahead of Time

Staying up to date on weather notifications will help you to anticipate extreme weather events that may warrant an evacuation. Sign up for CT Alerts.

There is a chance that your pet will not be able to stay with you during an evacuation. Not all evacuation locations accept pets, including those that are maintained by the American Red Cross. 

However, it is important for your health and safety to evacuate if necessary. Identify options for emergency evacuation shelters that accept pets by contacting the local animal shelter, control office, or emergency management center ahead of time. Ask what the evacuation shelter requires for the pet species you own (dog, cat, etc.) so you can prepare appropriately.

Some evacuation locations may only accept pets if they are up to date on vaccines, such as rabies. Additionally, microchipping your pet may make it easier to identify them if you were both separated during an emergency. Work with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive health plan for your pet and keep physical and digital copies of each pet’s vaccine records. If your pet (for example, cats) needs to go into a carrier, practice with your pet before you need to transport them to get them comfortable. You can also place a familiar object, such as a toy or blanket, in the carrier so it smells familiar. 

What to Pack

Assemble a go-bag (emergency kit) for your pet that contains all the necessary items they would need away from home. (Information on emergency supply kits for people can be found here: Emergency Supply Kit | Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)). Items for pets may include:

  • Copies of all veterinary paperwork, including vaccine certificates and adoption papers, in a waterproof container;
  • Instructions on how someone would care for your pet if you were staying at separate locations, including feeding amounts and schedules. Make note of any behaviors of which a caretaker should be made aware;
  • Photos of you and your pet in case you get separated, which will help to identify that your pet belongs to you;
  • Include photos of your pet standing: from the front, the left side, and the right side. This could help capture patterns in your pet's coat;
  • Medications labeled with your pet's name;
  • Name tag with your pet's name, address, and both your phone number and the number of your veterinarian;
  • GPS tags and chips, medical tags;
  • Leash and/or carrier/crate that pet can stand up inside and turn around ;
  • Food for each pet for at least seven to 14 days, stored in a secure, waterproof container. Include a can opener if necessary;
  • Water ;
  • Bowls for food and water;
  • Anxiety vest that fits your pet;
  • Towels;
  • Pet first aid kit. Learn more at: First_Aid_Kit_for_Pets.pdf; 
  • Toys;
  • Waste collection supplies.

Planning in advance can help you respond to extreme weather events in an organized way. Protect yourself and your pets by preparing for emergencies and following municipal and state guidelines during events. 

After an extreme weather event, monitor your pet for changes in behavior and health. Examine the area outside to ensure there aren’t any objects, debris, or substances that could cause harm to your pet. As extreme weather events may cause confusion for pets and introduce new smells, keep a close watch on your pet, and use a leash when taking them outside.

Resources

American Red Cross. (2007, March). First aid kit for pets. https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Home_Fire/First_Aid_Kit_for_Pets.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooWa7IpYvpPxdiSqE9hIU5l3u_dD-AazMX1sR5bpE2pag-qsV3O 

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Pet disaster preparedness & recovery. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html?srsltid=AfmBOooCe2BgmlNVQJ9Jfn3rSLG_6akR7kIB5FTJARMigwOazuEvG05g 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 9). Build a pet disaster preparedness kit. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 30). Pets in evacuation centers. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/pets-in-evacuation-centers.html 

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Emergency preparedness for pets and animals. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-preparedness-for-pets-and-animals 

Ready.gov. (n.d.). Prepare your pets for disasters. https://www.ready.gov/pets 

Yelinek, D. B. (n.d.). Disaster preparedness for the pet owner. Animal Health Foundation Redondo Shores Veterinary Center. https://www.animalhealthfoundation.org/downloads/Disaster-Preparedness-For-The-Pet-Owner.pdf 

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.