Emergency Evacuation Go-Bag Checklist
A printable checklist for building your animal emergency kit. Covers pets, livestock, and sanctuary-scale operations. Based on San Diego wildfire preparedness protocols.
Overview
When a wildfire evacuation order hits, you have minutes — not hours. This checklist helps you build and maintain a ready-to-grab emergency kit for your animals. Organized by animal type with a priority tier system so you grab the most critical items first.
Tier 1: Grab Immediately (Under 5 Minutes)
These items should be pre-packed in a single bag or bin near your door. Replace perishables every 6 months.
- Carriers/crates — one per animal, pre-labeled with name and your contact info
- Leashes, harnesses, and slip leads
- 3-day supply of food in sealed containers
- 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per large animal per day)
- Medications — 2-week supply with dosing instructions
- Veterinary records — printed copy in a waterproof bag
- Recent photos of each animal (for lost pet flyers)
- Your contact info + emergency vet contact on a card in the bag
Tier 2: If You Have 15 Minutes
Secondary items that improve comfort and safety during extended evacuation.
- Bowls, litter box, litter, waste bags
- Blankets or towels (familiar-smelling is best)
- First aid kit — gauze, vet wrap, antiseptic, tweezers, styptic powder
- Calming aids — Feliway spray (cats), anxiety wraps, familiar toys
- Extra leashes and collars with ID tags
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight and batteries
Tier 3: Livestock & Large Animals
If you have livestock, preparation must happen before evacuation orders. These items should be staged and ready.
- Halters and lead ropes — one per animal, hanging by stall/pen
- Livestock trailer — hitched or ready to hitch within 10 minutes
- Identification — leg bands, spray paint for large animals, microchip records
- Hay and grain — 3-day supply pre-loaded or staged near trailer
- Water containers — 5-gallon buckets or tank
- Fencing supplies — temporary electric fence or panels for emergency housing
- Veterinary contact for large animals
- Evacuation route printed (not just on phone — cell towers may be down)
Sanctuary-Scale Additions
For sanctuaries and rescues managing multiple species and large numbers of animals.
- Master animal list — printed, with photos, microchip numbers, medical needs
- Volunteer phone tree — who to call for help loading
- Pre-arranged evacuation sites — fairgrounds, partner farms, boarding facilities
- Generator + fuel for electric fencing at evacuation site
- Cash — $200+ for gas, tolls, emergency supplies
- Triage protocol — which animals to move first based on mobility and medical needs
- Reunification plan — how to track which animals went where
Maintenance Schedule
An emergency kit is only useful if it's current. Set a recurring calendar reminder.
- Monthly: check water and food expiration dates
- Every 6 months: rotate medications, update vet records and photos
- Annually: test carriers/crates, replace worn leashes, verify evacuation contacts
- After any evacuation: restock everything you used within 48 hours
Related Resources
Feral Cat TNR Fundamentals
A comprehensive introduction to trap-neuter-return for community cat management. Covers colony assessment, trapping basics, clinic coordination, and post-release monitoring.
Safe Animal Transport Basics
Essential protocols for transporting animals safely between shelters, sanctuaries, and foster homes. Vehicle setup, restraint methods, and temperature management.