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Emergency Pet Supply Calculator

Enter your pet's type, weight, and the number of days you're planning for to get food, water, and supply totals for your emergency kit or evacuation bag.

Calculate pet emergency supplies 🐾

Enter details for your pet to see daily and total supply needs.

Pet supply inputs

Determines food and water requirements.
All pets of the same type. Use the calculator again for different pet types.
FEMA recommends at least 72 hours; 2 weeks is ideal for extended emergencies.
Used to calculate total doses to pack or request from vet.
Live results update as you type
Pet Supply Totals

14 cups food needed

For 1 medium dog over 7 days.

14 cups Dry food
14 cups Water
0 doses Medication doses

Tips for success

  • Store pet food in airtight, waterproof containers, original bags degrade quickly once opened and are not waterproof.
  • Rotate your emergency pet food supply every 6 months to keep it fresh. Label containers with the date packed.
  • Keep copies of vaccination records, microchip numbers, and vet contact info in your pet's emergency kit.
  • Pack a leash, collar with ID tag, carrier or crate, and a familiar toy or blanket to reduce stress.
  • Not all emergency shelters accept pets, identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels along your evacuation route in advance.
Food amounts shown are conservative estimates based on typical feeding guidelines. Your pet's actual intake may vary by age, activity level, and health. Stressed pets during evacuations may eat less than normal, but having extra is always better than running out. Ask your vet for an emergency supply of any prescription medications at least 2 weeks ahead of storm season.

How to use this calculator

Select your pet type and size, enter the number of pets of that type, and choose your target supply duration. The calculator outputs total dry food (cups), water (cups), and medication doses to pack. Food and water amounts are based on standard daily feeding guidelines for each pet type and size category.

Daily requirements by pet type

  • Small dog (under 20 lbs): ~0.75 cups food/day, ~1 cup water/day
  • Medium dog (20–50 lbs): ~2 cups food/day, ~2 cups water/day
  • Large dog (50–90 lbs): ~3.5 cups food/day, ~3.5 cups water/day
  • XL dog (90+ lbs): ~5 cups food/day, ~5 cups water/day
  • Cat: ~0.5 cups dry food/day, ~0.75 cups water/day
  • Rabbit/small animal: ~0.25 cups pellets/day, ~0.5 cups water/day

FAQ

Can I use wet food instead of dry food for my emergency supply?

Wet food is less shelf-stable once opened and bulkier to store. For emergency kits, dry food is generally preferred for its long shelf life and compact storage. If your pet requires or strongly prefers wet food, store unopened cans and plan to use them within the expiration window. Rotate regularly.

What if my pet is on prescription food?

Prescription diets should be stored exactly like regular emergency food, in an airtight container with the date labeled. Ask your veterinarian to prescribe an extra 30-day supply before storm season. Most vets are familiar with this request and can provide written documentation for shelters if needed.

How much water does my pet really need?

The estimates here are minimums for normal activity in moderate temperatures. In hot weather or during stressful situations (which an evacuation is), water needs can increase by 50–100%. When possible, bring more water than the calculator suggests and allow pets to drink freely.

What documents should I pack in my pet's emergency kit?

Vaccination records (required by most shelters), proof of ownership, microchip number, a recent photo of you with your pet, and your vet's contact information. Store these in a waterproof document sleeve inside the kit.

What if a shelter won't accept my pet?

Plan ahead, identify pet-friendly emergency shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities along your evacuation routes before an emergency occurs. Many counties now maintain pet-friendly shelter information on their emergency management websites. Having a friend or family member outside the impact zone who can take your pet is the most reliable backup plan.