To prepare a pet for a crisis, add the same five basics you plan for people, scaled to your animal: a week of food and water, any medicine, a way to keep them warm and contained, and something familiar to keep them calm. Most of it is small and cheap, you just have to remember it. Sweden's Agency for Civil Defence (MCF, formerly MSB) recommends every household manage at least one week on its own, and pets are part of the household. Here is what to add.
Reviewed by Oskar Bjork, defence engineer (Swedish Armed Forces) and adviser to Kapsel. Last updated 2026-06-23.
Food and water
- A week of your pet's normal food, rotated so it stays fresh. A sudden change of food upsets the stomach, so store what they already eat.
- Extra water. A dog needs roughly 50 to 60 ml per kg of body weight per day, more in heat. Cats drink less but still need clean water daily.
- A bowl, a manual tin opener for wet food, and any supplements they take.
Health and hygiene
- A week of any prescription medicine, plus a copy of the prescription.
- A small pet first-aid kit and your vet's number written down.
- Waste bags, litter and a tray for cats, and paper towels.
Safety, ID and a plan
- A lead and a secure carrier or crate. Frightened animals bolt, so keep them contained during a disruption.
- Make sure ID tags and microchip details are current. Keep a recent photo in case you are separated.
- Know which shelters or friends can take a pet if you have to leave, because many emergency shelters cannot.
Keeping them calm
Animals read your stress, just like children do. Keep routines where you can, bring a familiar blanket or toy, and keep them close. A calm owner makes a calm pet.
Where this fits in your kit
Pet supplies sit alongside the household basics. Build your own from the complete emergency-kit checklist and our guide for families with children, which shares the same calm, practical approach. The Kapsel Core covers the human side as a system, built to the MCF one-week recommendation, so you can focus your extra planning on your animals. See the Kapsel Core.
Frequently asked questions
What does my pet need in an emergency kit?
A week of their normal food and extra water, any medicine, a bowl, waste bags or litter, a lead and a carrier, current ID, and a familiar item to keep them calm.
How much water does a dog need per day?
Roughly 50 to 60 ml per kg of body weight per day, and more in heat or with activity. Store extra and keep clean water available.
How do I keep my pet calm in a crisis?
Keep routines, bring a familiar blanket or toy, keep them contained and close, and stay calm yourself. Animals take their cue from their owner.
Can pets go to emergency shelters?
Often not, so plan ahead. Know which friends, family or pet-friendly options can take your animal if you have to leave home.
Sources: MCF (mcf.se), krisinformation.se, Jordbruksverket.