Earthquakes, Typhoons, and Fires: What About Our Pets? — Essential Disaster-Preparedness Kit Checklist

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Our veterinary advisory team has put together a guide on how to assemble a disaster-preparedness kit for your pet and the proper evacuation procedures to keep them safe during emergencies such as earthquakes, typhoons, and fires.

What Is a Disaster-Preparedness Pet Kit?

A dog and a cat sitting next to a pet emergency kit prepared near the entrance

A disaster preparedness kit for pets is an essential set of items you should have on hand to protect your pet’s life and safety during emergencies such as earthquakes, typhoons, or fires. The most important thing is to prepare at least three days’ worth of supplies and store them in an easily accessible location near your front door or along your evacuation route. In the chaos of a disaster, even pet owners can become overwhelmed, so keeping water, food, a carrier, and medical records all organized in one bag will help you avoid missing the critical window for action.

Why Is a Human-Only Emergency Kit Insufficient?

Earthquakes, typhoons, wildfires, and apartment fires occur every year in Korea as well. The problem is that most evacuation shelters either restrict pets from accompanying their owners or require them to be kept in separate areas. If you only prepare a disaster kit for humans, your pet may have to endure dozens of hours without food, water, or a place to relieve themselves. Both the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend that all pet owners keep a dedicated emergency kit for their pets on hand at all times. This is not optional—it is a fundamental responsibility of every pet guardian.

Comparison of Responses by Disaster Type

Item	Earthquake	Typhoon/Flood	Fire
Top Priority Supplies	Carrier & leash	Waterproof food pack & drinking water	Face protection cloth & carrier
Evacuation Route	Avoid falling objects → outside the building	High ground/designated shelter	Low posture → stairs → outside
Points of Caution	Falling glass & furniture	Waterborne diseases & flooding	Smoke inhalation & burns
Evacuation Time Required	Immediately (within 1 minute)	6–24 hours of leeway	Immediately (within 3 minutes)

Compiled from Korea National Fire Agency and US AVMA guidelines.

Essential Kit Components Checklist

Here are six essential items you should keep on hand: - Food and water: At least three days’ supply, stored in airtight containers - Carrier and leash: Use items your pet is already familiar with - Medical records: Vaccination history, current medications, and your veterinarian’s contact information - Emergency supplies: Anti-diarrheal medication, wound disinfectants, and extra prescription medications from your vet - ID tag and microchip: Ensure your contact information is up to date - Blanket and favorite toy: To help reduce stress in unfamiliar environments Store everything in a waterproof bag near your front door so you can grab it and go within 30 seconds.

A flat lay photo of the contents of a pet disaster preparedness kit arranged on a wooden floor

Three Things to Check Right Now

This is a point most pet owners overlook. ① Once pet food passes its expiration date, it becomes useless, so you should replace it every six months. ② Please verify on the Animal Registration System that the registered information for your pet’s implanted microchip matches your current address and phone number. ③ Pets not accustomed to their carriers will resist getting in during an emergency. Create positive associations by giving treats inside the carrier one to two times per week.

Follow This Sequence When a Disaster Occurs

Calmness can mean the difference between life and death. First, ensure your own safety. Second, secure your pet in a carrier or on a leash—panicked pets may bolt and become difficult to find. Third, grab your pre-prepared emergency kit and head to a designated shelter or a facility that accepts pets. In the event of a fire, stay low and lightly cover your pet’s face with a damp towel to reduce smoke inhalation. During an earthquake, evacuate quickly after the shaking stops but before secondary aftershocks occur.

A calm owner carrying a pet carrier and evacuating with their pet

Three Things to Practice in Advance

Disasters can strike without warning. Consistently practicing just three key skills can make a significant difference in an actual emergency. - Carrier training: Use the carrier as a regular resting space to help your pet become comfortable with it. - Recall training: Practice basic commands repeatedly so your pet comes running immediately when called by name. - Pre-check pet-friendly shelters: Note down designated locations and evacuation routes in advance. You can find local information by searching for "pet-friendly shelters" on your local government's website.

Special Precautions for Cats and Small-Breed Dogs

Cats are sensitive to unfamiliar noises and vibrations, so they often hide during disasters. It helps to identify potential hiding spots in advance and to acclimate your cat to a familiar carrier by creating positive associations with treats and blankets, so they’ll enter willingly when needed. Smaller pets may struggle more to maintain their body temperature in cold conditions, so include blankets and other warming items in your emergency kit. For pets with chronic conditions, pack an ample supply of their prescribed medications, and keep a separate pouch containing clear dosage instructions and your veterinarian’s contact information to ensure uninterrupted care during evacuation.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I train my cat to enter the carrier?

Keep the carrier door open and place treats and a blanket inside to help your pet see it as a comfortable, safe space. Forcing them into it can cause greater resistance during an emergency. The key is to build positive associations through short, frequent sessions—just a few minutes, one to two times per week.

Is it okay to leave my pet behind and evacuate for a short time during a disaster?

Absolutely not. Pets cannot evacuate on their own, and without food and water, they are at risk of dehydration and hypothermia. In the event of a fire or flooding, this can lead to fatal consequences within hours. You must evacuate with them.

What’s the best way to store pet food?

Divide a three-day supply into vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. It’s important to keep moisture and pests out, and to check the expiration date every six months, replacing the food as needed. Use your pet’s regular food so they’ll eat well even in stressful situations.

Do I still need a separate ID tag if my pet has an implanted microchip?

Yes, both are necessary. While an implanted microchip can only be scanned and verified at veterinary clinics or animal shelters, a collar tag allows anyone to immediately see the owner's contact information. This difference can significantly impact how quickly your pet is reunited with you in the event of a disaster or if they become lost.

What should I do if a shelter refuses to allow pets to accompany their owners during evacuation?

Identify two to three backup options in advance, such as pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, or friends' homes. You can search for pet-friendly facilities on your local government's website, and if you have access to a vehicle, staying in your car can serve as a short-term alternative.

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References

[1] American Humane Association, Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners

[2] Little S.E., The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition — Disaster Preparedness & Microchip Registry Chapter, 2020

[3] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Saving the Whole Family: Disaster Preparedness Resources

[4] AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), Pet Microchip Lookup Tool Guidelines