Pet Emergency Supply: Here's what you should stash away for your cat or dog to 'be ready'

Pets need to be ready for emergencies too. | Canva/Getty Images

The UK Government’s updated Be Ready campaign encourages households to prepare for three days of disruption to everyday services.

Pet food and bottled water are already on its checklist, making this a useful time for owners to check what their dog or cat would need.

To help out Dr Aimee Warner, resident vet at pet insurer Waggel, has shared a practical checklist covering food, medication, transport and the information owners may need if their usual routine is disrupted.

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The government’s advice is to check what is already in the cupboard and add missing essentials over time. Pet owners can take the same approach, starting with the supplies their animal already relies on.

She explained: “Keep your pet’s everyday essentials in mind, not just their food. Check their regular medication, keep your vet’s daytime and out-of-hours numbers handy, and make sure you can find their carrier or lead quickly if you need to leave home.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Set aside food and water for your pet, too.

Include three days’ worth of your pet’s usual food and a supply of bottled drinking water, alongside their bowls. Check expiry dates regularly and rotate supplies into normal use. The government advises building supplies gradually rather than buying everything at once.

If your pet’s usual food needs refrigeration, or they follow a prescribed diet, ask your vet about a suitable backup before you need one. Do not assume you can simply swap it for another food.

Check regular medication before supplies run low.

Check how much medication you have left and allow time to arrange repeat prescriptions with your vet. Keep the medicine’s instructions and a written record of your pet’s current dose together.

If their medicine needs refrigeration, ask your vet or dispensing pharmacy how to store it safely during a power cut. Do not change doses or skip treatment without veterinary advice.

Keep transport essentials within reach.

Have a suitable, secure carrier ready for your cat or small pet, and keep your dog’s lead and harness somewhere accessible. Check that fastenings and equipment are in good condition. If you need to travel by car, have an appropriate restraint ready too.

Write down the numbers you might need

Keep a paper copy of your usual vet’s number and their out-of-hours service, alongside medication details and relevant medical records. This means you are not relying entirely on finding information online or on a charged phone.

Make sure that your pet’s microchip contact details are current, too.

Pack basic care items, not just food

Include a pet first-aid kit, clean towels and bedding. For cats, add their usual litter and a tray; for dogs, include waste bags. Check the kit periodically and replace anything used or out of date.

Still contact a vet if needed

A first-aid kit is useful, but it can’t replace veterinary care. If your pet is seriously unwell or injured, contact a vet straight away. Don’t wait to see whether the supplies you have at home will be enough.

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