· Three- to 5-gallon plastic bucket with lid (airtight  and  waterproof)

· Pet first-aid kit (bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic cream, alcohol, iodine, tweezers, scissors, sterile gauze, gloves, cold pack, first aid manual, etc.)

· At least a three-day supply of food & water, bowls, can opener if needed

· Collar with current ID tag, harness, leash, sturdy carrier or crate for sleeping, current photos of you with your pets; if your pet is not microchipped, consider doing it now

· Blankets for warmth and sleeping

· Medications, vaccination records (esp. rabies)

· Small garbage/poop bags; cat litter/pan

· Comfort items (toys and chew treats)

· Paw protection booties, muzzle

· List of emergency phone numbers (veterinarian, local animal shelters, boarding kennels, Red Cross, etc.)

· Evacuation plan for you & your family (including phone & charger, phone numbers for friends and family, flashlight & radio with extra batteries; cash in small denominations for gas, food, hotels; duct tape, multi-tool, rope, tarp, paper & permanent marker, antiseptic wipes, & copies of medical records and insurance information in ziplock bag)

If you have an Apple device (iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad) there's an application for Pet First Aid that you must have.  It's $3.99 from the Apple App Store/iTunes and loaded with detailed articles, videos and illustrations to help you care for your dog or cat in emergency situations.  It covers disaster preparedness, bleeding, poisoning, CPR, burns, fractures, sprains and much more.  

For more information on helping your pets in emergency situations, you can download the Pet Owners brochure for disaster preparedness from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the American Kennel Club, ASPCA, American Veterinary Medical Assn., and the Humane Society of the U.S.:   Preparing Pets for Emergencies brochure 

and get the American Red Cross Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist:   Red Cross Pet Safety Checklist