Pets are family. Make sure they’re part of your emergency plan.

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

Your pets depend on you in an emergency, so make sure they’re part of your family’s emergency plan.

June is National Pet Preparedness Month, an important reminder that emergencies can happen at any time, and every household emergency plan should include pets.

Wildfires, floods, earthquakes, power outages and other disasters can happen with little or no warning. Having a plan in place before an emergency occurs can help keep your pets safe and reduce stress during an evacuation.

Build a pet emergency kit

Just like people, pets need emergency supplies. Keep a portable pet emergency kit in an easily accessible location so you can grab it quickly if you need to leave.

A pet emergency kit should include:

Current photos of your pet
Updated microchip registration information
Copies of vaccination and medical records in a waterproof container
Leashes, harnesses and a secure carrier
At least three days of food and water
Food and water bowls
A manual can opener for canned food
Medications and basic first-aid supplies
Comfort items such as blankets, toys or treats

Make a plan before you need it

Emergencies can change quickly, and it may be difficult to make decisions at the moment. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference for both you and your pets.

Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities or trusted friends and family members who may be able to help care for your pets if you need to leave home. It is also a good idea to arrange backup care with a neighbor, friend or veterinarian in case you are unable to return home during an emergency.

Preparedness starts at home

Including pets in your emergency plan helps ensure they remain safe, cared for and ready to evacuate when disaster strikes. This National Pet Preparedness Month, take a few minutes to build or update your pet emergency kit and review your family emergency plan.

Being prepared means preparing for every member of the family.

For more preparedness tips, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – June 18, 2026