Pet emergency plan: food, water and a safe way out
By UK Be Ready · Last checked 8 November 2026
Independent guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government. Official advice: Be Ready.
First three things to do
- Bring animals somewhere secure and check they have drinking water.
- Find the carrier, lead, veterinary number and any prescribed medicines.
- If evacuation is advised, follow official instructions and tell responders about your animals.
Before: build a pet box
Start with the food your animal already eats, bowls, bedding, waste bags or litter, and copies of vaccination and microchip details. Put the vet’s daytime and out-of-hours numbers on paper. Photograph your pet so you have a recent identification picture.
RSPCA flood guidance recommends suitable carriers, food supplies and a plan for moving animals. Keep documents dry in a sealed bag. Decide where you could stay with your pet; check acceptance before an emergency rather than assuming every shelter or hotel can take animals.
Our practical suggestion is to build towards a week of normal food gradually, within your budget and storage space. Rotate it through ordinary meals. Ask the vet about prescription quantities and storage rather than buying or changing medicines yourself.
During: keep routines simple
A quiet familiar area, usual food and a blanket can make an unfamiliar evening easier. Keep carriers accessible, not under a pile of other equipment. Have a named neighbour or friend who could collect the animal if you are away, with your permission and safe access arrangements.
For aquariums, reptiles and other animals needing powered heating, filtration or aeration, ask a vet or qualified specialist for a species-specific outage plan before trouble starts. The safe temperature and duration vary; there is no single solution for every tank. Do not improvise indoor combustion heating.
If water rises or you must leave
Move early when it is safe. The RSPCA advises bringing small animals indoors and moving their food, water and bedding somewhere dry when flooding threatens. Never enter dangerous floodwater to retrieve an animal; contact emergency responders instead.
Afterwards, check that food and medicines have stayed dry and usable. Contact your vet if your animal is injured, unwell or has missed essential treatment.
Your 10-minute job
Put the carrier, lead and a waterproof card with two contact numbers in one place. Ask one trusted person whether they could help with transport.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 8 November 2026. This is general household preparation guidance; current incident instructions and individual clinical or veterinary advice take priority.