National Pet Preparedness Month

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Awareness Pet Safety
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every June
Holiday emoji:: 🐾

National Pet Preparedness Month takes place throughout June, serving as a vital reminder for all pet owners to establish emergency plans for their beloved animal companions. From natural disasters to unforeseen crises, ensuring your pets are ready to weather any storm is paramount. Take action this month to gather supplies, identify safe shelters, and secure your pet’s future.

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Platforms
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History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
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Expected National Pet Preparedness Month Deals

Throughout National Pet Preparedness Month, expect a surge in awareness campaigns and special offers from pet retailers and insurance providers. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows organizations like the ASPCA and American Red Cross often partner with brands such as Petco and Chewy for donation drives and educational content. Look for discounts on emergency kits, travel carriers, and pet-friendly first-aid supplies. Nationwide Pet Insurance may offer incentives for new policies, emphasizing disaster coverage. Local animal shelters and veterinary clinics might host workshops on emergency planning, sometimes sponsored by brands like Purina or Mars Petcare. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pet Preparedness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetPreparednessMonth. Share photos of your pet’s emergency kit or a video demonstrating your evacuation plan.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PetPreparednessMonth. Join local community groups to share resources and tips for pet safety during emergencies.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PetPreparednessMonth. Share vital statistics about pets in disasters and retweet advice from emergency management agencies.

National Pet Preparedness Month Hero

Henry Bergh

Henry Bergh (1813–1887) was an American diplomat and philanthropist who founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1866. His tireless advocacy for animal welfare laid the groundwork for modern animal protection laws and organizations, indirectly influencing the importance of including animals in disaster planning and emergency response efforts.

History of National Pet Preparedness Month

In the event of facing an emergency or natural disaster, it is paramount that everyone in your house gets out safely, including your pets. From house fires and blackouts to hurricanes and floods, such events are frightening for us and can be more so for pets, who rely on their owners to keep them safe. Thus, having emergency plans for your pets is crucial in making sure they get out and handle the situation safely.

Emergency plans can range from knowing where to gather following an emergency, placing leashes or pet food in easy-to-remember places, or constructing go kits that contain everything that your pet needs to weather emergencies, such as food, leashes, medication, clothes, and others. It can also consist of identifying nearby shelters that can assist you in taking care of your pet. In large-scale events such as hurricanes, having such plans ready might save your pet from running off, getting harmed, or being overlooked by relief workers.

Up to 100,000 to 250,000 pets were stranded or forced to be abandoned following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005, which led to around 70,000 and 150,000 pet deaths, mainly by starvation. During Hurricane Sandy in 2017, it was reported that hundreds of pets were spooked by the chaos enough to flee. Luckily, organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals tend to react swiftly to save pets affected by such disasters, but the best way to ensure their safety is to have emergency measures prepared for them beforehand. Especially since not all disaster evacuation centers might accept pets. National Pet Preparedness Month is here to remind you that the safety of your pets lies primarily in your hands.

National Pet Preparedness Month timeline

1866

The Birth of the A.S.P.C.A.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is established.

1916

A Bright Red Star

The American Humane organization initiates its renowned Red Star Animal Relief rescue program, aiming to save animals from disaster or conflict areas.

2005

The Largest Pet Evacuation in American History

The Federal Emergency Management Agency holds the largest animal rescue operation in federal U.S. history, rescuing up to 15,000 pets following Hurricane Katrina.

2006

The PETS Act

The U.S. Government passes the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which takes care of pet welfare following a disaster.

National Pet Preparedness Month FAQs

When is National Pet Preparedness Month?

National Pet Preparedness Month runs throughout June 2026, encouraging pet owners to create and review emergency plans for their animal companions before disaster strikes.

How many pets are affected by disasters each year?

While exact numbers fluctuate, tens of thousands of pets are impacted by disasters annually in the U.S., often separated from their families or left without adequate care. This highlights the critical need for preparedness.

How many U.S. households own pets?

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million families, own a pet. This vast number emphasizes the widespread need for pet preparedness.

What essential items should be in a pet emergency kit?

A comprehensive pet emergency kit for 2026 should include at least a week’s supply of food and water, medications, a leash, collar with ID, copies of medical records, a carrier, and recent photos of your pet. Don’t forget a pet first-aid kit.

National Pet Preparedness Month Activities

Let everyone know
National Pet Preparedness Month serves as a reminder for all pet owners to prepare emergency measures that ensure the safety of their pets. Spread the word through your social media pages to raise awareness of this important fact.
Get planning
List all the things that are essential to your pet's health and well-being so that when disaster strikes, you can remember what to take with you for their sake. This is one small step towards being able to formulate a proper emergency plan.
Visit or donate to your local animal shelter
Contact and donate to your local animal shelter to identify possible channels of assistance. Your support and donations are essential to keep them running.

5 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe During A Disaster

Know where your pet is at all times
A lost pet in an emergency spells trouble, so be aware of where they are at all times to keep them safe from potential hazards.
Regularly clean their quarters
To ensure their health and cleanliness, regularly clean their cages, litter boxes, or places where they usually sleep.
Remember to vaccinate beforehand
Before anything else, remember to vaccinate your pet to prevent them from contracting diseases that might be rampant during a disaster.
Check for potential hazards in your surroundings
Check your home or shelter for exposed wires, sharp objects such as broken glass, and spilled chemicals to protect you and your pets from further injury.
Ensure they keep to themselves
Do not let your pet interact with other animals, particularly strays, as it increases the possibility of disease transmission and other health issues.

Why We Love National Pet Preparedness Month

Pets are treasured members of the family
Every member of the household must be safely accounted for following a disaster or emergency. Because your pet is a valued member of your clan, you must also ensure their safety and help them get through the moment. National Pet Preparedness Month is merely a reminder that their well-being matters as much as anyone else’s.
It improves our disaster preparation skills
A pet needs specific needs and requirements to weather an emergency. By working out a clear, proper plan beforehand, such as listing the supplies needed or identifying their specific needs, you are also sharpening your ability to prepare for emergencies in the future, which will benefit everyone in your home.
It prevents past mistakes from happening again
National Pet Preparedness Month is here to ensure that the catastrophe that befell pets during Hurricane Katrina and other similar disasters is never repeated. The month-long campaign has helped raise awareness nationwide on the importance of rescuing pets from disaster zones and keeping their well-being in check.