Pets in your emergency plan: how to prepare for a crisis
Updated · 5 min read
New here? Start with our overview of home readiness: what to have ready, and why.
A home emergency plan is also about those who cannot pack a bag themselves. If your household should be able to manage on its own for three days when the power or water fails, then your dog, cat and other pets belong in the plan.[1] It takes only a few things prepared in advance, and it is reassuring to know the animal is covered.
In short: Count your pets in when you set aside water and supplies, put together a small emergency kit for the animal, and keep your vet and Dyrenes Beskyttelse's emergency line (1812) close at hand.[2][3][4]
Count your pets in for water and supplies
The authorities recommend being able to manage on your own for three days if the supply fails.[1] If you have pets, you have needs beyond the household, so remember extra water for the animals.[2] Set it aside together with the household's own water, so there is enough for everyone across the three days.
Keep the animal's usual food and any medication with the rest of your kit, and a carrier, in case you need to move. That way everything is in one place the day it counts.
An emergency kit for the animal
A small first-aid kit for the animal makes a difference if something goes wrong. Dyrenes Beskyttelse points to keeping bandages, scissors, tweezers, saline ampoules, a thermometer, disposable gloves and a blanket ready.[3]
At the same time, learn what is normal for your particular animal. If you know its normal values, you can measure them and react quickly if something changes.[3]
Who to call
Have the numbers ready before you need them, for example in the first-aid kit or in your phone.[3] Your own vet is the first call if the animal becomes ill or is hurt.
Dyrenes Beskyttelse's emergency line 1812 is a nationwide service that gives guidance on animals in distress, around the clock, all year.[4]
With water, an emergency kit and the right numbers in place, your pet is part of your readiness rather than a worry you have to solve in the middle of a crisis.
Keep water ready, for the animals too
See how much water your household and pets need for three days.
See how water fits into the rest of your readiness: Water in your emergency kit: how much, and how to store it
Frequently asked questions
What should be in an emergency kit for my pet?
Dyrenes Beskyttelse points to bandages, scissors, tweezers, saline ampoules, a thermometer, disposable gloves and a blanket. Keep the animal's usual food, any medication and a carrier alongside it, so everything is together.
How much water should I plan for my pet?
On top of the household's own use, set aside extra water for the animals, so there is enough for everyone across the three days the authorities recommend being able to manage on your own.
Who do I call if my animal is hurt?
Your own vet first. Dyrenes Beskyttelse's emergency line 1812 is also a nationwide service that gives guidance on animals in distress, around the clock, all year.
Sources
- [1]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig
- [2]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab
- [3]Dyrenes Beskyttelse: Førstehjælp til kæledyr: sådan hjælper du din hund eller kat, når ulykken er ude
- [4]Dyrenes Beskyttelse: Vagtcentral 1812