Natural disasters, power outages, or unexpected evacuations are moments of crisis no one wants to experience—but being prepared makes all the difference. While families often create emergency plans to protect their loved ones, it’s easy to overlook a very important member of the household: your pet. Ensuring your furry companion is part of your family’s emergency plan is not just thoughtful—it’s essential.

Below, we’ll walk through practical steps pet owners in Northern Virginia—including Fairfax, Centreville, Chantilly, and surrounding areas—can take to keep their pets safe during emergencies.

Why Pets Need to Be in Your Emergency Plan

Pets rely on us entirely for their well-being. During chaotic situations, they may become scared, disoriented, or try to run. If they're not properly prepared for emergencies, they could face real danger.

Whether you’re dealing with a hurricane warning, flash flood, or local power grid issue, including your pet in every step of your emergency planning reduces stress and increases the chances of a safe outcome—for everyone involved.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Just like the rest of your family, your pet needs an emergency supply kit that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. Keep it in an easy-to-grab bag near your main emergency supplies.

Here’s what to include:

• 3–7 days of food and bottled water
• Bowls and a manual can opener (if needed)
• A copy of your pet’s medical records and vaccination history
• Current photos of your pet in case you get separated
• Extra leash, harness, and collar with ID tags
• Medications and instructions
• Waste bags, litter box, and cleaning supplies
• Comfort items like blankets or toys
• A carrier or crate large enough for your pet to turn around in

Don’t forget to check your kit every few months to replace expired food or medications.

Make Identification a Priority

In a chaotic situation, the chance of your pet escaping or getting lost increases significantly. Proper ID can reunite you quickly. Ensure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags at all times.

Better yet, microchipping offers a permanent form of identification. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, consult with a licensed veterinarian to learn more about how this small step can make a big difference.

For more guidance on microchipping, you can refer to this helpful guide from the American Veterinary Medical Association – Microchipping FAQs.

Know Where You’ll Go: Pet-Friendly Sheltering Options

Not all emergency shelters accept pets, so it’s important to plan ahead. Take time to identify:

• Nearby pet-friendly hotels (check websites like bringfido.com)
• Boarding facilities or veterinary clinics outside your immediate area
• Friends or family in other cities who could host you and your pet

Keep a printed list of these locations in your emergency kit, and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan. It’s also smart to store addresses and phone numbers in your phone.

Practice Makes Prepared

The best emergency plan is one that’s familiar. Practice your evacuation route with your pet so they get used to being loaded into a crate or vehicle calmly. If you have multiple pets, assign each family member a responsibility—who grabs the leash, who carries the food kit, etc.

Routine helps reduce anxiety for both people and pets in high-stress situations.

Stay Informed with Local Alerts

Local emergencies can happen without much warning. Signing up for alerts in Fairfax County and surrounding regions ensures that you’ll receive timely updates. Services like the Fairfax County CEAN (Community Emergency Alert Network) keep you notified by email or text.

You can also monitor the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for regional safety info:

→ Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Let Us Help You Prepare

Your veterinarian is an important part of your emergency planning team. Whether your pet has specific health needs or you simply want to be better prepared, Fairfax Ridge Animal Hospital is here to support your planning efforts.

Contact us today to discuss your pet’s healthcare needs and learn how we can support your family’s emergency planning. Taking steps now can make a real difference if the unexpected happens.