Emergency planning for pets and assistance animals

Record each animal's ordinary needs

Write the usual food, feeding times, water needs, prescribed medicines and any temperature or power requirements. Keep the vet's daytime and out-of-hours details on paper. Animals of different species, sizes and health needs require different arrangements; the human drinking-water calculator is not a pet-care prescription.

• Record a trusted person's number and ask whether they could help.
• Note handling instructions that keep the animal and helper safe.
• Check prescriptions through the normal veterinary arrangements.
• For animals dependent on powered heating, filtration or other equipment, ask the vet or specialist provider about a suitable outage plan.

RSPCA species-specific welfare advice (opens in a new tab)

Put supplies and identification together

Keep manageable supplies of familiar food and water, bowls, appropriate bedding and cleaning items. Choose packages you can safely store after opening when refrigeration is unavailable. Include prescribed medicines, a suitable lead or harness and a carrier where needed. Check the condition and fit of equipment rather than waiting until you must move quickly.

RSPCA preparation before flooding (opens in a new tab)

Agree a backup carer before you need one

Ask someone who can realistically reach and handle the animal if you are delayed, unwell or evacuated separately. Discuss access, transport, feeding and medicine instructions, and what they should do if they cannot help. Share only the information and access they need. Keep a second option if possible and confirm the arrangement when circumstances change.

• Make sure the helper has agreed, rather than simply putting their name on a form.
• Tell them where the carrier and essential supplies are kept.
• Agree how they will contact you and the vet.
• Consider who would care for the animal if disruption lasts longer than expected.

Add the arrangement to your household plan

Plan transport and somewhere suitable to stay

Check whether a friend, relative or accommodation provider could take you and the animal. Ask about species, number of animals, accessibility and any records they need; do not assume every emergency rest centre or hotel has suitable arrangements. Practise using the carrier or transport equipment calmly where appropriate. Keep evacuation essentials light enough for the people expected to carry them.

If a warning from emergency services or your local authority suggests evacuation may become necessary, act on the instructions while travel is still safe. Tell the local authority about transport or animal-accommodation difficulties early so it can explain available options; assistance is not guaranteed.

Household evacuation planning

Plan assistance animals with their handlers

Record how the animal supports its handler and what would be needed if they were temporarily separated. Discuss accessible transport, a trusted person who knows the animal and any equipment or identification normally used. Ask the training or support organisation for advice relevant to the partnership. Do not assume a stranger can take over the animal's working role or that a generic pet arrangement meets the handler's needs.

Accessible care and evacuation planning

Review after using supplies or changing care

Replace used supplies during ordinary shopping and check expiry dates, contact numbers and equipment. Review after a new diagnosis, a move or a change of carer. In a disruption, keep the animal away from hazards and follow species-specific veterinary advice. If you cannot safely meet its needs, contact the vet, local authority or appropriate animal-welfare organisation to ask what help is available.

RSPCA advice and welfare (opens in a new tab)