A Pet Parent’s Guide to Handling Emergencies in Apartments
Apr 11, 2025
Living in an apartment with your pet offers its own set of joys and challenges. While the cozy space can be perfect for bonding, emergencies can sometimes catch you off guard. Your fur baby could get sick, or you could become ill and end up unable to care for them.
In the worst-case scenario, you and your pet may even have to evacuate your building. In any event, creating crisis response plans with this pet parent’s guide to handling emergencies in apartments can keep you as safe and healthy as possible.
Handling Pet Sickness
When making financial considerations ahead of becoming a pet owner, factor in health expenses like vaccinations, routine veterinarian visits, and pet insurance. With this, consider stocking an emergency pet first-aid kit that includes:
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Thermometers
- Prescribed medications
Next, identify and save contact details for the closest veterinary clinic and emergency animal hospital. How else can you stay ahead of sicknesses and respond to them? Keep your pet’s medical records, vaccination history, and medication list in one easy-to-access location. A physical and digital copy ensures you’re ready wherever you are.
Pro Tip
Ask your vet if they offer telehealth options if you’re unable to bring your pet in immediately.
Arranging Care for Your Pet When You’re Sick
Illness can strike you just as unexpectedly. In such cases, ensure your pet receives care even if you’re not up to the task. Here’s what you can do:
- Identify trusted family, friends, or neighbors who can look after your pet in a pinch, and be sure to introduce your pet to them in advance so they feel comfortable together.
- Write down feeding schedules, medication instructions, favorite toys, and any quirks your pet may have, and keep your pet’s food and supplies labeled for easy access.
- If local help isn’t an option, research pet-sitting services or boarding facilities ahead of time and confirm their availability during emergencies.
Evacuating in Emergencies
No pet parent’s guide to handling emergencies in apartments would be complete without tips on what to do should you and your pet have to leave home. Emergencies like fires or natural disasters happen without warning, so prepare for actions to take to ensure a quick exit with your pet.
Prepare an Emergency Bag
Pack an emergency bag with essentials such as food, water, a collapsible bowl, a leash, waste bags, a blanket, medical records, and comfort items.
ID Tags and Microchips
Secure a microchip and updated ID tag with your phone number and emergency contacts on their collar in case of separation.
Practice Evacuation Drills
Participate in any fire escape drills your building conducts to make sure you know where they are and how to use them, can recognize all alarm tones, and can leave your apartment quickly with your pet.
Look for Pet-Friendly Shelters
Before disaster strikes, research shelters, hotels, or friends’ homes where pets are welcome so you won’t be scrambling to find a safe place to stay.
Emergencies are stressful, but having an action plan can help you feel in control. Whether you’re managing a sick pet, delegating care during your illness, or evacuating in an emergency, these steps ensure your furry companion is safer and happier.
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
