Is Your Pet Ready? The Complete Guide to National Pet Preparedness Month. How to Protect, Plan, and Strengthen Your Cat or Dog Before Disaster Strikes.
Table of Contents
1. Why June Is National Pet Preparedness Month
2. The Sobering Lessons of Hurricane Katrina
3. Understanding the Risks: What Disasters Threaten Your Pet?
4. Building Your Pet Emergency Kit: The Complete Checklist
5. Creating Your Pet Evacuation Plan
6. Identification & Microchipping: Your Pet's Lifeline
7. The Hidden Threat: Stress and Your Pet's Immune System
8. A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend: Daily Defense for Cats & Dogs
9. Shelter-in-Place vs. Evacuation: Knowing the Difference
10. Pet First Aid Basics Every Owner Should Know
11. After the Disaster: Helping Your Pet Recover
12. Your 30-Day Pet Preparedness Action Plan
1. Why June Is National Pet Preparedness Month
Every June, animal welfare organizations, emergency management agencies, and pet health advocates across the United States come together to observe National Pet Preparedness Month. The timing is deliberate and strategic: June marks the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, a period that historically brings some of the most destructive natural disasters to affect American families — and their beloved animals.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officially recognizes June as Pet Preparedness Month, using the occasion to remind pet owners that emergency planning must include every member of the household — including those with four legs, fur, and a tail [1]. The American Red Cross, ASPCA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all publish dedicated pet preparedness resources during this month, reinforcing the message that a family emergency plan without a pet component is dangerously incomplete.
Yet despite decades of public awareness campaigns, surveys consistently show that the majority of pet owners have not taken even the most basic preparedness steps. They have not assembled an emergency kit for their animals. They have not identified pet-friendly shelters. They have not ensured their pets carry up-to-date identification. National Pet Preparedness Month exists to change that — one household at a time.
This guide is your comprehensive resource for everything you need to know: from building the perfect emergency kit and crafting an evacuation plan, to understanding how disasters affect your pet's immune system and how daily supplementation with A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend can help keep your cat or dog resilient when it matters most.
2. The Sobering Lessons of Hurricane Katrina
To understand why National Pet Preparedness Month matters so deeply, we must look back to August 29, 2005 — the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall and forever changed how America thinks about pets in disasters.
Before the storm, an estimated 259,400 families in New Orleans owned pets. There was no formal evacuation plan for those needing assistance or for those with animals. The consequences were catastrophic: as many as 104,000 pets were left behind to weather the storm and its aftermath [2]. Estimates suggest between 50,000 and 70,000 animals perished across the Gulf Coast.
Perhaps the most striking statistic from Katrina is this: a poll conducted by the Fritz Institute found that 44% of people who did not evacuate refused to leave because they would not abandon their pets. People put their own lives at risk rather than leave their animals behind. This was not irrationality — it was love. And it revealed a critical gap in emergency planning that the government could no longer ignore.
In 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, directing FEMA to ensure that state and local emergency plans account for the needs of individuals with pets and service animals [3]. Since then, over 30 states have adopted laws or administrative plans addressing disaster planning for animals. The PETS Act was a landmark achievement — but legislation alone cannot protect your pet. That responsibility ultimately rests with you.
Understanding the Risks: What Disasters Threaten Your Pet?
Emergencies come in many forms, and the threats facing your pet vary depending on where you live. Understanding the specific risks in your region is the first step toward meaningful preparedness. Here are the most common disaster scenarios pet owners must plan for:
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Coastal and Gulf states face the greatest hurricane risk. These storms can develop rapidly, leaving little time to prepare. Flooding, wind damage, and prolonged power outages create dangerous conditions for pets, particularly those with medical needs requiring refrigerated medications or climate-controlled environments.
Wildfires
Wildfires can spread with terrifying speed, sometimes giving residents only minutes to evacuate. Smoke inhalation is a serious threat to pets, whose smaller respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable. Cats, who often hide when frightened, can be especially difficult to locate and evacuate quickly.
Tornadoes and Severe Storms
The central United States faces significant tornado risk, but severe storms can strike virtually anywhere. Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes often provide little advance warning. Having a designated safe room and knowing exactly where your pet is at all times becomes critical.
Earthquakes and Floods
Earthquakes strike without warning, and floods — whether from storms, dam failures, or rising rivers — can develop over hours or days. Both scenarios can separate pets from their owners, damage homes, and contaminate water supplies. Pets may also react to the stress of these events with behavioral changes that make them harder to manage.
Extended Power Outages
Even without a dramatic natural disaster, extended power outages pose real risks to pets — particularly in extreme heat or cold. Pets with chronic health conditions who depend on refrigerated medications or medical equipment face heightened vulnerability during prolonged outages.
4. Building Your Pet Emergency Kit: The Complete Checklist
The cornerstone of pet preparedness is a well-stocked emergency kit that you can grab and go at a moment's notice. Both the CDC and ASPCA recommend assembling this kit well in advance and storing it in an easily accessible location [4]. Here is a comprehensive checklist organized by category:
Food and Water
• A 7-to-10-day supply of your pet's regular food, stored in airtight, waterproof containers
• A 7-to-10-day supply of fresh water (one gallon per day per pet is a safe estimate)
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Manual can opener if your pet eats canned food
• Written feeding instructions (especially important if someone else must care for your pet)
Medications and Health Supplies
• A 10-to-14-day supply of all prescription medications, clearly labeled with dosage instructions
• A one-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
• Your pet's daily supplements — including A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend — to maintain immune and gut health during the stress of displacement
• Pet first aid kit (see Section 10 for full contents)
• Copies of vaccination records, including rabies certificate
Documents and Identification
• Photocopied veterinary records, including medical history and current prescriptions
• Recent photographs of you with your pet (to prove ownership)
• Microchip number and registration company contact information
• Proof of ownership or adoption records
• All documents stored in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag
Comfort and Safety Items
• Appropriately sized pet carrier or crate with familiar bedding inside
• Leash, collar, and harness with current ID tags
• Favorite toys and a familiar blanket or item of your clothing (reduces anxiety)
• Litter box and litter supply for cats
• Sanitation supplies: paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant spray
• Pheromone spray or calming collar to help manage stress during displacement
Pro Tip: Store your pet's emergency kit alongside your own household emergency supplies, near an exit. Label the kit clearly and review its contents every six months to replace expired items and update records.
5. Creating Your Pet Evacuation Plan
An emergency kit is only as useful as the plan that guides its use. A solid pet evacuation plan addresses three critical questions: Where will you go? How will you get there? And what happens if you're not home when disaster strikes?
Identify Pet-Friendly Destinations in Advance
Many emergency shelters do not accept pets. FEMA recommends identifying multiple options before a disaster occurs [1]:
• Research pet-friendly hotels along your likely evacuation routes
• Contact friends or family outside your immediate area who could host you and your pets
• Locate boarding facilities and veterinary clinics near your likely evacuation destination
• Check whether your local emergency management agency operates pet-friendly shelters
The Buddy System: Plan for When You're Not Home
Disasters do not wait for convenient timing. You may be at work, traveling, or otherwise separated from your pets when an emergency strikes. Establish a trusted neighbor or nearby friend as your pet's emergency caretaker. Give them a key to your home, a copy of your pet's emergency kit location, and written care instructions. Make sure they know your veterinarian's contact information and have your permission to authorize emergency veterinary care.
Practice Makes Perfect
Run evacuation drills with your pets. Practice loading them into their carriers calmly and quickly. Cats especially may resist carriers if they only associate them with stressful vet visits — work on making the carrier a comfortable, familiar space year-round. The calmer your pet is during practice runs, the more manageable the real thing will be.
6. Identification & Microchipping: Your Pet's Lifeline
In the chaos of a disaster, pets can become separated from their owners with heartbreaking ease. Proper identification is the single most important factor in determining whether a lost pet finds its way home. The statistics are compelling: according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to be reunited with their families [5].
Yet despite these statistics, only about 6 out of 10 microchips are registered in a searchable database. A microchip is only as useful as the information linked to it. During National Pet Preparedness Month, take time to:
1. Ensure your pet is microchipped (your veterinarian can do this in a routine appointment)
2. Verify your contact information in the microchip registry is current
3. Ensure your pet's collar carries an ID tag with your current phone number and address
4. Take recent, clear photographs of your pet from multiple angles
5. Note the phone numbers for your local humane society, animal control, and the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition
In 2024 alone, HomeAgain successfully reunited more than 163,000 pets with their owners — a testament to the power of microchipping when combined with accurate registration [5].
7. The Hidden Threat: Stress and Your Pet's Immune System
When we think about disaster preparedness for pets, we naturally focus on physical safety: food, water, shelter, and escape routes. But there is a less visible threat that deserves equal attention — the profound impact of stress on your pet's immune system.
Disasters are, by their very nature, deeply stressful for animals. The sudden disruption of routine, unfamiliar environments, loud noises, separation from owners, and exposure to other stressed animals all trigger a powerful physiological stress response. When a pet is stressed, the body releases cortisol and other stress hormones. In the short term, this is a normal protective response. But when stress becomes prolonged — as it often does during and after a disaster — the consequences for immune health can be serious [6].
How Chronic Stress Weakens Your Pet
Chronically elevated stress hormones suppress immune function, reducing the body's ability to fight infections, respond to vaccines effectively, and heal after injury or illness. Research published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine found that even routine stressors like transportation and veterinary visits measurably alter immune function in dogs — underscoring how significantly a major disaster can impact immune health.
The downstream effects of this immune suppression include:
• Increased susceptibility to ear infections, skin infections, and respiratory illness
• Slower wound healing and recovery from illness or surgery
• Digestive disruption, including diarrhea, vomiting, and gut microbiome imbalance
• Flare-ups of chronic conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease
• In cats specifically: stress-induced urinary tract inflammation, even without infection
Post-Disaster PTSD in Pets
Veterinary behaviorists have documented that dogs and cats can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following disasters, exhibiting behavioral changes that may persist for months [7]. Signs include house-soiling, excessive barking or vocalization, hiding, aggression, loss of appetite, and becoming excessively clingy ("Velcro pets"). These behavioral changes are not just emotional — they reflect a body under sustained physiological stress, with immune consequences to match.
This is why proactive immune support — beginning before a disaster strikes — is such a critical component of pet preparedness. A pet with a strong, well-supported immune system is better equipped to weather the physical and emotional demands of an emergency.
8. A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend: Daily Defense for Cats & Dogs
In the context of National Pet Preparedness Month, one of the most meaningful steps you can take for your cat or dog is to build their immune resilience before an emergency occurs. This is where A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend plays a powerful role.
Founded in 2014 by pharmaceutical expert and serial entrepreneur Helena van der Merwe, A-Plus Naturals was born from a unique intersection of science and compassion. Van der Merwe's research background — including a co-authored NASA Space Radiation Facility study on the efficacy of nutraceuticals and immunity blends — informed the development of a plant-based supplement specifically designed to address the most common health vulnerabilities in cats and dogs [8].
What's Inside: A Science-Backed Formula
The A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend is a plant-based, vegan bacon-flavored powder that mixes easily into your pet's food once daily. Its formula combines several evidence-informed ingredients:
Ingredient
Key Benefits
Larch Arabinogalactan
Prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria; supports immune modulation and joint health
Astragalus Extract
Adaptogenic herb with centuries of use in traditional medicine; supports immune defense and stress resilience
Shiitake & Reishi Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms rich in beta-glucans; enhance immune cell activity and provide antioxidant protection
Turmeric
Powerful anti-inflammatory; helps reduce chronic inflammation that underlies many common pet health conditions
Ginger
Supports digestive health and reduces nausea; particularly valuable during travel and displacement
L-Lysine
Essential amino acid that supports joint health, tissue repair, and immune function; especially beneficial for cats
Bacillus subtilis (Probiotic)
Spore-forming probiotic that survives heat and storage; restores gut microbiome balance and supports digestive immunity
Why It Matters for Emergency Preparedness
The ingredients in A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend address precisely the vulnerabilities that disasters create. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis and prebiotic Larch Arabinogalactan work together to maintain gut health — critical when dietary disruption and stress threaten the microbiome. Turmeric and ginger combat the inflammation that stress triggers. Astragalus supports the immune system's ability to respond to new pathogens encountered in unfamiliar environments. And the medicinal mushrooms provide broad-spectrum immune modulation that helps the body maintain balance under pressure.
The product is officially recognized by Health Canada (as of October 2025) for its safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance — a significant endorsement that adds credibility for pet owners seeking trusted, science-backed wellness solutions [9].
Easy to use: Simply mix the powder into your pet's food once a day. Dosage adjusts by weight for dogs; cats receive 1/3 scoop daily regardless of weight. The vegan bacon flavor means most pets accept it readily — making it easy to maintain the routine even during the disruption of an emergency.
Think of A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend as part of your pet's emergency preparedness kit — not just something you pack, but something you give every day so that when disaster strikes, your pet's immune system is already fortified and ready.
9. Shelter-in-Place vs. Evacuation: Knowing the Difference
Not every emergency requires evacuation. Some situations — such as a chemical spill nearby, a severe winter storm, or a short-duration power outage — may call for sheltering in place. Others, like an approaching hurricane or a fast-moving wildfire, demand immediate evacuation. Knowing which response is appropriate, and being prepared for both, is essential.
When to Shelter in Place
1. Bring all pets indoors immediately at the first sign of a storm warning or emergency alert
2. Designate a safe interior room — away from windows — as your shelter space
3. Keep pets in carriers or on leashes to prevent panic-driven escape attempts
4. Maintain access to your emergency kit, including food, water, and medications
5. Continue your pet's daily supplement routine — including A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend — to support immune health during the stress of confinement
When to Evacuate
If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately — do not wait. The earlier you leave, the more options you have for pet-friendly accommodations and the less traffic you will encounter. Never leave pets chained outside or locked in a home you are evacuating. If you absolutely cannot take your pet, leave them unconfined inside with access to food and water, and leave a note on your door indicating the number and type of animals inside.
10. Pet First Aid Basics Every Owner Should Know
During a disaster, access to veterinary care may be delayed or unavailable. Basic pet first aid knowledge can make a critical difference. The ASPCA recommends assembling a dedicated pet first aid kit and familiarizing yourself with its use [10].
Your Pet First Aid Kit Should Include:
1. Absorbent gauze pads and adhesive tape
2. Cotton balls and swabs
3. Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting — only use under veterinary guidance)
4. Ice pack and disposable gloves
5. Blunt-end scissors and tweezers
6. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
7. Saline eye solution and artificial tear gel
8. Styptic powder (to stop minor bleeding from nail cuts)
9. Oral syringe for administering liquid medications
10. A pet first aid reference book
11. Your veterinarian's phone number and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic's address
12. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number: (888) 426-4435
Key First Aid Skills to Learn
Consider taking a pet first aid course offered by the American Red Cross or your local humane society. Key skills include: how to safely restrain an injured animal, how to perform rescue breathing and CPR for pets, how to treat wounds and control bleeding, how to recognize signs of heatstroke and shock, and how to safely transport an injured pet without worsening injuries.
11. After the Disaster: Helping Your Pet Recover
The work of pet preparedness does not end when the immediate danger passes. The recovery period — which can last days, weeks, or even months — presents its own challenges for animal health and well-being.
Restoring Routine as Quickly as Possible
Pets thrive on predictability. After a disaster, re-establishing consistent feeding times, sleep schedules, and exercise routines as quickly as possible provides a powerful sense of security. Even small rituals — a regular walk, a consistent bedtime — signal to your pet that the world is becoming safe again.
Supporting Immune Recovery with Nutrition
The post-disaster period is when immune support becomes especially critical. Your pet's body has been under sustained stress, and the immune system needs active support to recover. Continuing — or beginning — a daily regimen of A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend during recovery helps replenish gut microbiome balance disrupted by stress and dietary changes, reduce lingering inflammation, and restore the immune system's capacity to protect your pet from opportunistic infections that often follow periods of high stress.
Watching for Behavioral Warning Signs
Monitor your pet closely in the weeks following a disaster. Signs of post-traumatic stress — persistent hiding, appetite loss, aggression, house-soiling, or excessive clinginess — warrant a veterinary consultation. Early intervention with behavioral support, environmental enrichment, and appropriate supplementation can prevent short-term stress from becoming a long-term health problem.
Environmental Safety After a Disaster
Before allowing pets to roam freely after returning home, inspect your property carefully. Disasters can introduce hazards that are invisible to the human eye but dangerous to curious animals: contaminated floodwater, displaced wildlife, downed power lines, broken glass, chemical spills, and mold. Keep pets on leash or confined until you have confirmed the environment is safe.
12. Your 30-Day Pet Preparedness Action Plan
National Pet Preparedness Month gives you a natural deadline and a framework for action. Here is a practical 30-day plan to get your household fully prepared:
Week
Action Steps
Week 1
Assess & Document: Schedule a vet visit, update vaccinations, verify microchip registration, take new photos of your pet, and gather all medical records into a waterproof folder.
Week 2
Build the Kit: Assemble your pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and comfort items. Order A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend and begin daily supplementation.
Week 3
Plan Your Escape: Research pet-friendly hotels and shelters along evacuation routes. Identify a trusted neighbor as your pet's emergency caretaker. Establish a family meeting point.
Week 4
Practice & Refine: Run a carrier drill with your pet. Review your plan with all household members. Set a calendar reminder to review and refresh your kit every six months.
The Bottom Line: Preparedness Is an Act of Love
National Pet Preparedness Month is not about fear — it is about love. It is about recognizing that the animals who share our homes and our lives depend entirely on us to keep them safe. They cannot pack their own emergency kits. They cannot read evacuation maps. They cannot call for help. That responsibility is ours, and it is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the bond we share with them.
The steps outlined in this guide — building an emergency kit, creating an evacuation plan, ensuring proper identification, learning basic first aid, and supporting your pet's immune health with daily supplementation — are not burdensome. They are achievable. And they can make the difference between tragedy and reunion.
Start with A-Plus Naturals Immunity Blend. Add it to your pet's daily routine today — not because disaster is imminent, but because a healthy, resilient pet is always better prepared for whatever life brings. Then work through the 30-day action plan above, one step at a time.
Your pet is counting on you. This June, make the commitment to be ready.
References
[1] FEMA. (2019). Include pets' needs in your disaster plan. Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250121/include-pets-needs-your-disaster-plan
[2] Louisiana SPCA. (2005). Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue Facts. Louisiana SPCA. https://www.louisianaspca.org/about-us/hurricane-katrina/animal-rescue-facts/
[3] USDA APHIS. (2025). Animal Care Emergency Programs. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-care/emergency-programs
[4] CDC. (2024). Build a Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit.html
[5] AVMA. (2025). Microchip Your Pet. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/mcm-check-the-chip-infographic-2025.pdf
[6] Atlas Animal Hospital. (2025). How Stress Impacts Your Pet's Immune System And Overall Health. https://atlasvetsinvancouver.com/how-stress-impacts-your-pets-immune-system-and-overall-health/
[7] Seksel, K. (2011). PTSD Can Occur in Companion Animals after Disasters. Veterinary Partner - VIN. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=254077&id=4953014
[8] Stojan, J. (2024). A-Plus Naturals Evolving Pet Health with Innovative Plant-Based Supplement. LA Weekly. https://www.laweekly.com/a-plus-naturals-evolving-pet-health-with-innovative-plant-based-supplement/
[9] AHVMA. (2025). A-Plus Naturals LLC alternate name A-Plus Pets. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.ahvma.org/find-an-associate-member/#!biz/id/6755764738b4a5af080cee0d
[10] ASPCA Pro. (2023). DIY Pet First-Aid Kit. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/DIYFirstAidKitList.pdf
