For many families, pets are more than animals; they are beloved members of the family. While no one wants to think about being separated from their pet, unexpected emergencies can happen. Whether due to hospitalization, detention, a natural disaster, or another event that prevents you from returning home, having a plan in place can help ensure your pet remains safe and cared for. 

Just as families are encouraged to organize important documents and emergency contacts, pet owners should also consider who would care for their animals if they were suddenly unable to do so. In recent months, stories of pets left behind following immigration enforcement actions have highlighted the importance of having a plan in place, particularly for immigrant families and other households facing uncertain circumstances. 

Learn more about protecting your pets during your absence. This guide was created through a collaboration between North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter. 

How Can I Protect my Pet in an Emergency? 

1. Choose a Trusted Caregiver

Identify a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor who is willing to care for your pet temporarily or long-term if you are unable to do so.  

Consider: 

• Whether they are comfortable caring for your pet 

• Whether they have space for the animal 

• How quickly they could access your pet in an emergency 

It is important to talk with this person ahead of time and make sure they understand your wishes. If possible, give your caregiver a spare key or discuss how they would access your home in an emergency. \

2. Create a Pet Information Packet

Keep important information in a folder that is easy to access. 

Include: 

• Pet's name and photo 

• Veterinarian contact information 

• Vaccination records 

• Microchip information (including alternate emergency contacts listed on the registration, if applicable) 

• Pet insurance information (if applicable) 

• Feeding instructions 

• Medications and medical conditions 

• Behavioral notes (such as fears, triggers, or special care instructions) 

• Favorite foods, toys, and routines 

This information can help your caregiver provide proper care and make informed decisions if an emergency arises.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit and Important Documents

Consider maintaining a small emergency kit containing:  

• Food and treats 

• Water 

• Leash and collar 

• Medications 

• Waste bags 

• Crate or carrier 

• Copies of veterinary records 

• A favorite blanket, toy, or an item with your scent (such as a worn T-shirt) to help reduce your pet's stress during an emergency

Store the kit in an easily accessible location. 

You may also want to store copies of:  

• Adoption or purchase records 

• Rabies certificate 

• Veterinary records 

• Microchip registration 

• Current medications and dosage information 

If you don't have access to every document, don't worry. Gather as much information as you can—even a few records can make a difference in an emergency.

4. Consider Written Authorization

Some situations may require another person to make decisions regarding your pet. 

You may wish to prepare a signed, notarized letter authorizing a trusted caregiver to: 

• Pick up your pet 

• Obtain veterinary care 

• Access veterinary records 

• Make temporary decisions regarding your pet's care 

While notarization is not always required, having the document notarized adds an extra layer of credibility and can make it easier to resolve questions about who is authorized to make decisions for your pet, especially if the pet later needs to be rehomed or surrendered. Requirements may vary, and some veterinarians may have their own forms or procedures. Contact your veterinarian ahead of time to ask whether they recommend a specific authorization form. 

5. Make Sure Your Pet Can Be Identified

Pets can become separated from caregivers during emergencies. 

Consider: 

• Microchipping your pet 

• Keeping registration information current 

• Using identification tags with current phone numbers 

• Maintaining recent photos of your pet 

• Keep digital copies of your pet's records and photos in a secure online account so they can be accessed even if you cannot return home. 

• Using a pet-safe collar or holder with a tracking device, such as an AirTag, for pets that are likely to hide, escape, or spend time outdoors. Make sure your trusted caregiver or emergency contact can access the tracker if you are unavailable.

6. Include Pets in Your Family Emergency Plan

If you already have an emergency preparedness plan, make sure your pets are included. 

Consider: 

• Who will care for children and pets 

• Where important pet documents are stored 

• How caregivers can access your home 

• Who should be contacted if your pet needs medical care

7. Create a Reunification Plan

If you are separated from your pet for an extended period, such as following detention or deportation, it is important to think ahead about how you and your pet could be reunited in the future. 

Consider: 

• Talking with your chosen caregiver about your goal of eventually reuniting with your pet, if possible. 

• Deciding whether your caregiver will provide temporary care or become your pet's permanent guardian if reunification is not possible. 

• Making sure your caregiver has your current contact information, as well as the contact information of trusted family members or friends who can help coordinate communication. 

• Keep ownership records, microchip registration, and veterinary records up to date to help establish ownership when the time comes to reunite. 

• Discussing the logistics of reunification, including who would be responsible for arranging your pet's travel if you relocate or are deported to another country. 

• Reviewing your plan periodically to ensure your caregiver is still willing and able to care for your pet.

Planning ahead can help reduce uncertainty and make it easier to reunite with your pet if your circumstances change. 

Guidance From Animal Welfare Experts 

Preparing for an emergency can feel overwhelming, but taking a few simple steps today can make a significant difference tomorrow. Whether your absence lasts a few hours, a few days, or longer, having a trusted caregiver and a written plan can help protect your pet and provide peace of mind for you and your family. 

Every emergency is different, and no single solution works for every family or every pet. Animal welfare organizations encourage pet owners to plan before a crisis occurs whenever possible. Planning ahead gives pets the best chance of remaining safe and reduces stress for both families and the organizations trying to help them. 

Can an Animal Shelter Provide Temporary Care? 

Some shelters or rescue organizations may be able to provide temporary assistance in limited circumstances, but most shelters are not equipped to serve as long-term boarding facilities. Available resources vary based on space, staffing, funding, and the individual needs of each animal. 

If you believe you may need temporary assistance, contact your local shelter as early as possible to discuss available options or receive referrals. Many temporary housing or foster programs require an application process, have eligibility requirements, or maintain waitlists. Starting the process early may improve your chances of finding assistance before an emergency occurs. 

What If I Need to Surrender My Pet? 

Surrendering a pet should be considered a last resort after exploring whether a trusted friend or family member can provide temporary care. Once a pet is surrendered to a shelter, ownership is generally transferred to that organization. Depending on the organization’s policies and the pet’s needs, the animal may be placed for adoption. Policies vary by organization and families, and individuals should not assume they will automatically be able to reclaim the animal later.  

Avoid trying to quickly rehome your pet through social media or online marketplaces during a crisis, as it can be difficult to verify potential adopters and may put your pet at risk; instead, work with a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization that can help ensure your pet's safety and well-being. 

While surrendering a beloved pet is never an easy decision, abandoning or leaving an animal behind is never the answer, and when no safe alternative exists, surrendering your pet to a reputable shelter may be the most compassionate choice to ensure it receives the care and opportunity for a new home that it deserves. 

If your goal is to keep your pet out of a shelter, reputable pet rehoming services such as Home To Home and Rehome by Adopt a Pet may help connect pet owners with potential adopters while allowing pets to remain in their current homes until a new family is found. These services may not be appropriate for every situation, but they can be valuable options to explore before surrendering a pet.  

What Information Should I Provide? 

Whether your pet is staying with a trusted caregiver or entering the care of an animal welfare organization, the more information you can provide, the better. Helpful information includes: 

• Veterinary records and vaccination history 

• Current medications and medical condition 

• Feeding schedule and dietary needs 

• Behavioral information, including fears, anxieties, interactions with children and other animals, bite record (if any), housebroken, crate trained, specialized handling 

• Microchip information and ownership records 

• Emergency contact information for family members or caregivers 

Even if you do not have every document, providing as much information as possible helps ensure your pet receives appropriate care. 

What If I Have Multiple Pets or a Pet with a Special Medical Need? 

Caring for multiple animals or pets with chronic medical conditions can require additional resources. If your pet has specialized dietary, behavioral, or medical needs, communicate those needs clearly and provide any medications, prescriptions, or care instructions whenever possible. 

Where Can Individuals and Families Find Help? 

Your local animal shelter, humane society, rescue organization, veterinarian, or police department may be able to provide guidance, referrals, or information in your area. While services vary by organization and community, reaching out before an emergency occurs often leads to better options than waiting until a crisis develops.  

This guide was created through a collaboration between North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter to help families prepare for emergencies and protect every member of the family, including their pets. 

Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter 

This emergency preparedness guidance was developed with input from Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, one of the Chicago area's oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations. Since 1928, Orphans of the Storm has cared for hundreds of thousands of homeless, abandoned, and neglected dogs and cats while helping families make informed decisions about their pets' care. 

Orphans of the Storm works closely with local police departments and animal control agencies to support the community and its pets through adoption, rescue, veterinary care, education, and other essential services. The team regularly helps pet owners navigate difficult situations and encourages families to create emergency plans before a crisis occurs whenever possible. 

To learn more about Orphans of the Storm, available resources, or ways to support its mission, visit OrphansOfTheStorm.org.  

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic 

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to low-income community members living in Lake County and north suburban Cook County.  

Call 847-737-4042 or visit NSLegalAid.org to learn more. 

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general emergency preparedness and educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, please consult an attorney.