25 Pet Emergency Kit Items You Can Buy at PetSmart

Sometimes emergencies strike without warning, and if you’ve got pets at home, you know how worrying it can be to keep them safe and cared for. That’s why putting together a pet emergency kit is so crucial. The truth is, gathering these supplies doesn’t have to be complicated. With the wide range of items available at PetSmart, you can find almost everything you need under one roof. Let’s explore 25 essentials you can grab at PetSmart to help you feel prepared when storms, floods, or any unexpected challenges come your way. Consider this your friendly companion guide—because we’re in this together, and your pets deserve the best care possible.

Build Your Pet Emergency Kit

Before we dive into the specific items, let’s talk about why a pet emergency kit is a must-have. Hurricanes, floods, power outages, or sudden evacuations can leave you scrambling, and worrying about your furry friend’s well-being piles on even more stress. Having a ready-to-go kit ensures that, when disaster hits, you won’t lose time searching for food, medication, or a leash while the situation escalates.

This kit can be as simple or detailed as you’d like. The important part is making sure you’ve got the basics covered: proper identification, sufficient food and water, a way to safely transport your pet, and any medical supplies they might need. You’ll be surprised at how affordable many of these items can be, especially if you shop strategically. PetSmart offers budget-friendly pet gear alongside well-known, high-quality brands, so you can tailor your kit without breaking the bank. If you share your home with multiple animals, consider checking out resources like multi-pet emergency preparedness for additional tips.

Let’s venture into the heart of this list: the 25 essentials available from PetSmart to help you build a comprehensive “pet emergency kit petsmart” shoppers can appreciate. Think of it as a friendly nudge to grab those items you’ve been meaning to collect but never got around to. We’ve all been there, so no worries—let’s do it together.

25 Essentials You Can Buy At PetSmart

Below are the primary items you’ll want to have in your kit. Feel free to adjust based on your pet’s specific needs, whether you’re caring for a tiny hamster or a big, lovable dog.

1. Up-To-Date Identification Tag

An ID tag with your pet’s name, your name, and current contact information is step one in keeping your furry friend safe. Emergencies can cause confusion and potential separation, and a simple tag sometimes makes all the difference in reuniting you with your pet. You can often have these tags engraved on the spot at PetSmart.

• Make sure to include your phone number—preferably a mobile phone that you’ll have with you during an evacuation.
• Some pet parents add info like “Needs Medication” or “Microchipped,” which can also prove invaluable in a rescue situation.
• According to PetSmart, an ID tag boosts the odds of a quick reunion if disaster strikes.

2. Proper Collar Or Harness

A comfortable, properly fitted collar or harness helps ensure your pet stays close by when chaos sets in. At PetSmart, you’ll find numerous brands and styles, including reflective options for added visibility.

• Try to find one that won’t slip off easily and suits your pet’s size and breed.
• Keep it loose enough for two fingers to fit underneath, but snug enough so it doesn’t shift around.
• If you’re using a harness, make sure to follow the sizing charts in-store or on the package.

3. Sturdy Leash

A reliable leash is a must in any emergency kit, giving you controlled mobility. You never know when you’ll need to relocate quickly. PetSmart carries various leash lengths, from short traffic leads to longer, retractable versions.

• Consider a basic nylon leash for its durability.
• For emergencies, a non-retractable leash is often simpler to manage in crowded or high-stress situations.

4. Microchipping Services

Although not exactly a “product,” microchipping is an essential purchase. PetSmart often partners with Banfield Pet Hospital to provide microchipping services. Once chipped, ensure your contact information stays updated.

• Microchipping offers an extra layer of identification if your pet’s collar or tag gets lost.
• Check your microchip info regularly, especially if you move or change phone numbers.

5. Pet Carrier Or Crate

When an evacuation notice drops, having a secure carrier or crate can be a lifesaver. PetSmart has options for cats, dogs, and even small animals.

• Look for sturdy construction with comfortable, removable bedding.
• If you have multiple pets, each one should have its own crate. This helps reduce stress and keeps everyone safer.
• For cats, consider a well-ventilated hard-shell carrier to prevent escape attempts.

6. Three-To-Seven-Day Food Supply

Between hurricanes, floods, and extended power outages, it’s wise to keep a stock of unopened pet food. Per PetSmart, three to seven days’ worth of food in a waterproof container can be a lifesaver.

• Opt for shelf-stable varieties, like canned food or sealed bags of kibble.
• A manual can opener and feeding bowls will also help if you lose power.
• Rotate this stock regularly to ensure it doesn’t expire.

7. Ample Water Supply

You never know when tap water will become unusable, so pack a stash of bottled water specifically for your pet.

• Storing a gallon of water per day for each larger animal is a good rule of thumb.
• Smaller pets need proportionally less, but when in doubt, pack more.
• Bowls or collapsible water dishes from PetSmart are easy to tuck into your emergency bag.

8. Pet-Safe Food And Water Bowls

While you might use your regular pet bowls, having spare portable bowls in your kit is essential.

• Look for collapsible or lightweight bowls made of silicone, since they’re easy to clean and carry.
• These bowls can be tucked into your crate or bag without adding bulk.

9. Medications And Medical Records

If your pet needs prescription meds, keep an emergency stash in a zip-top bag. Include dosage instructions, too, in case someone else needs to administer them.

• Grab a folder for vaccination and health records, plus vet contact info.
• According to PetSmart, ensuring you have up-to-date medical info can be the difference between immediate care and delayed treatment during a crisis.

10. Comprehensive First Aid Kit

For minor scrapes, insect bites, or accidental injuries, a well-stocked first aid kit can save the day. PetSmart carries pre-made kits with gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and more.

• Don’t forget items like tweezers, scissors, and disposable gloves.
• Include any emergency phone numbers for your vet or a 24-hour animal hospital.
• Consider adding over-the-counter items recommended by your veterinarian, but avoid human medicines unless your vet says it’s safe.

11. Poop Bags Or Litter

Sanitation doesn’t stop in a crisis. Keeping your space clean helps maintain everyone’s health and morale.

• If you’ve got a dog, stock up on poop bags.
• Cat owners should add an extra stash of litter and a small, disposable litter box. PetSmart has options for travel-friendly litter systems.

12. Pet Wipes Or Dry Shampoo

If your pet gets dirty or wet in an emergency, you might not have the convenience of a full bath. Pet-safe wipes or a waterless shampoo can help keep them clean and comfortable.

• Look for hypoallergenic wipes if your pet has sensitive skin.
• Store these items in a sealed bag so they remain moist and ready to use.

13. Blanket Or Comfort Item

A familiar smell can work wonders for a stressed pet. Pack a small blanket, towel, or favorite plush toy.

• Soft items can line the crate to keep your pet cozy if you’re stuck in a shelter or hotel.
• This comfort item also helps calm anxiety by reminding your pet of home.

14. Treats And Chews

Having a few of your pet’s favorite treats is a simple but powerful morale booster. PetSmart sells a variety of shelf-stable treats, including freeze-dried options that last longer.

• Rewarding good behavior during tense situations can help keep your pet calm.
• Just watch the expiration date and rotate treats regularly.

15. Flea And Tick Prevention

Even in a stressful evacuation, fleas and ticks don’t take a vacation. If you’re on the move or staying in unfamiliar places, protecting your pet is more important than ever.

• PetSmart carries collars, spot-on treatments, and oral preventive meds for different breeds and sizes.
• Talk to your vet about which option suits your pet best, then keep an extra dose or two in your kit.

16. Grooming Supplies

A small brush or comb can help you check for ticks, stray debris, or minor wounds.

• During a flood or hurricane, water can carry contaminants, so regular grooming helps detect issues early.
• PetSmart has kits that include grooming wipes, brushes, nail clippers, and styptic powder (in case of a nail-trimming mishap).

17. Waste Disposal Bags And Disinfectants

If you need to shelter in place, you might end up dealing with pet waste indoors. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reality.

• Stock up on pet waste disposal bags or doggy pads if you anticipate limited outdoor access.
• Grab a pet-safe disinfectant or enzymatic cleaner from PetSmart to tackle accidents quickly and keep the environment healthy.

18. Extra Collar And Leash

Having spares is often overlooked, but collars and leashes can break, especially if your pet panics or if they’re aging.

• Tuck an extra basic collar and leash into your emergency bag.
• This simple step offers peace of mind and prevents a lot of frantic searching if your main leash goes missing.

19. Flashlight Or LED Pet Light

Power outages can happen in any kind of emergency, and you’ll want to keep an eye on your pet in the dark.

• A small, battery-powered flashlight or LED collar accessory can help you spot your pet quickly.
• PetSmart carries reflective or LED-embedded collars for nighttime walks, which can be a lifesaver if you must navigate low-visibility conditions.

20. Comforting Anxiety Aid

Thunderstorms, sirens, and general chaos can spike your pet’s stress levels. PetSmart offers calming products like pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or calming chews.

• These aids can help reduce shaking, whining, or panic-driven behaviors.
• Test them ahead of time at home to see how your pet reacts.

21. Manual Can Opener And Spoon

If you rely on canned food, a simple manual can opener is easy to forget but essential.

• Throw in a spare spoon for scooping out canned food.
• If you want to keep things tidy, PetSmart often carries portable feeding kits that include everything in a neat little pouch.

22. Travel-Friendly Bedding

In some disasters, you’ll need to spend the night in a pet-friendly shelter or hotel. Look for travel beds that roll up small but provide decent comfort.

• Familiar bedding helps your pet settle in a strange environment.
• Many PetSmart travel bed options are machine-washable, which is a plus if your pet is exposed to mud or rain.

23. Updated Contact List

Include the info for your regular vet, an emergency 24-hour animal hospital, and possible boarding facilities like PetSmart PetsHotel. As noted by PetSmart, having a prearranged plan for emergency pet housing makes a huge difference.

• If local family or friends can help, jot down their numbers in case your phone battery runs low.
• The goal is to make sure you know exactly who to call if you need extra support.

24. Important Paperwork

Alongside medical records, consider a printed backup of feeding schedules, personality quirks, and behavioral notes.

• If someone else has to look after your pet, these details make it easier on everyone.
• Keep these documents in a waterproof pouch. PetSmart sells water-resistant organizers you can use for storing everything together.

25. Boarding Or Daycare Alternative

Sometimes, home just isn’t safe during a floor-level flood or if you live in a storm-prone area. Knowing where to take your pet can be a big relief. PetSmart’s PetsHotel is one option for emergency boarding, especially if you need a short-term solution.

• Arrange a contingency plan ahead of time and have their number handy.
• Even if you don’t end up using it, just knowing you could helps reduce stress during a crisis.

Maintain And Update Your Essentials

Congratulations on stocking up your emergency kit! Now, the key is maintaining it. Many people forget to rotate out food or check expiration dates on medications, only to realize their supplies are outdated when they need them most. Every six months, set a reminder on your calendar to:

• Swap in new food and treats to keep them fresh.
• Double-check the size and fit of collars, harnesses, or crates if your pet is still growing.
• Ensure your contact list and medical info are up to date.

For more detailed tips on keeping everything in top shape, consider browsing pet emergency supply storage. Staying on top of your kit might seem like extra work, but trust me, it’s an investment in your peace of mind. We’ve all experienced that last-minute scramble at some point—let’s skip that part next time around.

Closing Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Emergencies can be scary, but you don’t have to face them alone. Building a well-rounded pet emergency kit doesn’t just protect your pet, it also makes you feel more prepared and confident if trouble heads your way. Whether you’re filling your cart at PetSmart or prepping items you already own, every step you take is a step toward your pet’s comfort and safety.

And hey, sometimes it helps to know there’s a community cheering you on. We’re all in the same boat, trying to do right by our furry companions. By gathering these 25 essentials, you’re giving your pet—and yourself—some valuable reassurance when life gets unpredictable. Keep going, you’re doing great, and your pet will thank you with the sweetest tail wags (or happy purrs) for all your hard work. Here’s to staying safe and standing by one another, no matter what the forecast looks like.