🎒 Build a pet go-bag now, not on the day of evacuation

The BC SPCA and Alberta both publish pet emergency kit checklists, and Ready.gov publishes a nearly identical one for US households — the lists are...

The BC SPCA and Alberta both publish pet emergency kit checklists, and Ready.gov publishes a nearly identical one for US households — the lists are similar enough to follow any of them. Pack a sturdy carrier or harness and leash for every animal, two to four weeks of food, bottled water and bowls, any medications with a written list, current vaccination and licence records in a waterproof bag, a recent photo of you with the pet, a litter tray and litter for cats, waste bags for dogs, and a familiar blanket or toy. Add a copy of microchip registration, your veterinarian’s contact, and your out-of-area contact. Tape an emergency contact card with the pet’s name, your name and phone numbers to the carrier itself in case you become separated. Keep the kit in a labelled bin near the door you would leave from, not in a basement closet. Check it twice a year — at the start of fire season and again at the change of clocks — and rotate food, water and medication so nothing expires. Studies cited by the BC SPCA show pet ownership is the single biggest reason households fail to evacuate; preparation makes leaving with pets fast enough that it is no longer a barrier.

Source: BC SPCA — Emergency Pet Preparedness

Last reviewed 2026-05-02.

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