Emergency Preparedness for Pets: Be Ready for Anything

Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes—whether it’s a hurricane warning, a house fire, or a sudden evacuation, being prepared can save lives, including your pet’s. At J-B Pet Supplies, we’re all about helping pet parents stay ready for the unexpected, with the supplies and information you need to keep your furry family members safe and sound.

Let’s break down what you should plan for in New Jersey, what to do in household emergencies, and how to build a pet-friendly emergency "go bag".

🌪️ Natural Disasters in NJ: What to Watch For

While we may not be in tornado alley or an earthquake zone, New Jersey does experience a variety of natural disasters that can put pets at risk:

⛈️ Hurricanes & Tropical Storms – Strong winds, flooding, and power outages can lead to evacuation orders.
🌊 Flash Flooding – Heavy rains and overflowing rivers can quickly create dangerous situations.
❄️ Winter Storms & Nor’easters – Ice, snow, and frigid temperatures can cause extended power outages or heating loss.
🔥 Fires – Both wildfires and residential fires are risks year-round.
⚡ Power Outages – Especially in extreme heat or cold, loss of power can become an emergency.

During these events, don’t wait to evacuate—have a plan in place and a bag ready to grab and go for both you and your pets.

🏡 Emergencies at Home

It’s not just the weather—accidents at home can also put your pet at risk:

🔥 House Fires
🚰 Gas Leaks or Water Main Breaks
🏚️ Structural Damage (fallen trees, roof collapse, etc.)
💉 Medical Emergencies (yours or your pet’s)

Having a plan and a go-bag ready means you’ll be able to act quickly, even when time is short or stress is high.

🧳 What to Pack in a Pet Emergency Go Bag

Build a "go bag" that’s easy to grab if you need to leave the house in a hurry. Keep it near your main exit and update it every 6 months.

Here’s what we recommend including:

🎒 For Dogs or Cats:
✅ 3–5 days of food (in waterproof containers or sealed bags)
✅ Collapsible bowls for food and water
✅ Bottled water (enough for several days)
✅ Any daily medications + copy of prescriptions
✅ Vaccination records and vet contact info
✅ Leash, collar/harness, and ID tags
✅ A recent printed photo of your pet (in case they go missing)
✅ A familiar toy or blanket for comfort
✅ Poop bags, litter, and a small litter box for cats
✅ Crate or secure carrier
✅ Towel (for drying or warmth)
✅ First aid kit (pet-safe antiseptic, bandages, tick remover, etc.)

💡 Pro Tip: Add your pet’s microchip number to a notecard in the bag, along with emergency contacts.

🗺️ Create an Evacuation Plan (That Includes Your Pets)

🚗 Know where you can go. Not all emergency shelters accept pets—identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or friends/family ahead of time.

📋 Keep your vet and emergency numbers handy. Add them to your phone and keep a printed copy in your go bag.

🐾 Practice loading your pet into a crate or carrier quickly. In an emergency, you won’t have time to coax them.

🏠 Post a “Pet Inside” sticker near your door. If disaster strikes when you’re not home, this can alert first responders to rescue your pet.

🐶 We’ve Got Your Back at J-B Pet Supplies

At J-B Pet Supplies, we stock all the essentials you need to build your pet’s go bag—collapsible bowls, leashes, ID tags, first aid kits, travel crates, calming treats, and more. Our knowledgeable team is happy to help you put together a kit that works for your pet’s size, diet, and special needs.

🛍️ Visit us in Oakland or Hawthorne, or shop online at www.jbpet.com to stock up on pet emergency essentials today.

Because when life throws the unexpected your way, being prepared means peace of mind—for you and your pet. 🐾💖