Why do animals need their own plan?
Think about the season too. Heat, mud, ice and darkness change how long loading takes and which routes work. A plan that works in June may fail in January. Write down what changes with the weather and what extra supplies, such as bedding or shade, each season calls for.
Animals cannot read an alert or open a gate. They are heavy, frightened and sometimes dangerous when stressed. Evacuating a horse trailer or a flock of poultry takes time, vehicles and helpers that you may not have when a warning arrives.
Many shelters do not accept livestock, and some do not accept pets. That means your plan needs a destination and a backup. The earlier you decide, the more options you will have.
- Animals need transport, shelter and supplies
- Not every shelter takes animals
- Early decisions give you more choices
How do you list and identify your animals?
Write an inventory of every animal: species, breed, age, color, markings and where it lives. Take clear photos of each, including identifying features, and keep them with the list. Use ear tags, brands, microchips, leg bands or simple markings that match the list, and keep your veterinarian's records up to date.
Keep copies of the inventory in your go bag, your vehicle and with a person outside your area. If animals get loose or separated, this record helps you show that they are yours.
What supplies should you keep together?
Keep a small notebook in the kit with feeding amounts, handling notes, and what each animal is like when stressed. A helper who has never met your animals can then do the job properly. Add a flashlight, work gloves, duct tape, zip ties and spare rope, which are cheap and useful in nearly every situation.
Make a kit for each species: feed for a number of days, water containers, buckets, halters or leashes, carriers, cleaning supplies and basic first aid items recommended by your veterinarian. Store what you need in one spot near an exit and check it twice a year. Keep medical records and a list of any ongoing needs.
Ask your veterinarian what to keep and how to handle medications, since needs vary by species and animal. Never guess about treatment for an animal in distress. Call a veterinarian.
How will you move them?
Decide what vehicle and trailer would carry each species, and how many trips it would take. Practice loading when there is no emergency, because animals that are used to a trailer are far easier to move. Maintain the trailer and the tow vehicle, and keep the fuel tank well filled.
If you cannot move everyone, decide in advance which animals go first and who can help. Ask neighbors, a local horse or farm group, your extension office or your county emergency office what animal transport help exists in your area.
- Practice loading at a calm time
- Keep trailers and tow vehicles in good order
- Pre-arrange helpers and a second vehicle
Where will they stay?
Confirm arrangements each year. Facilities change owners, fill up or close, and a promise from two years ago may no longer hold. Ask what they need from you on arrival, such as feed, bedding or separate pens, and whether animals must be unloaded in a certain order. Put the answers in the plan.
Identify destinations before you need them: a friend's farm, a fairground, a boarding facility, a veterinary clinic or a county animal shelter. Call ahead and ask what they require, such as proof of vaccination, and whether they take your species. Write down names, addresses and numbers.
Have a second choice in another direction, since one route may be blocked. Pets can stay with relatives or at pet-friendly locations. Check for pet-friendly lodging in advance if you might need a hotel.
What if you cannot evacuate them?
Sometimes there is no time. Your extension office, state veterinarian or county emergency office can tell you what is advised in your area for staying in place, and what to do about animals left behind. Advice varies with the type of emergency and the facilities you have.
Never put your own life at risk for an animal. Do not return to a danger zone to retrieve one. Leave a note on the gate or door with your contact details and the animals present, if local officials recommend it.
How do you handle biosecurity and reporting?
Disease reporting and movement rules for poultry and livestock vary by state, and moving animals in an emergency can raise questions about health papers and quarantine. Ask your state veterinarian or extension office what applies in your area.
After a disaster, watch animals closely for injury, stress or illness, and call your veterinarian about anything unusual.
Key takeaways
- Keep a written inventory with photos and identification for every animal.
- Make a kit for each species and store it near an exit.
- Practice trailer loading and arrange destinations and helpers early.
- Never risk your life for animals, and never go back into a danger zone.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.