National Pet Preparedness Month: How To Keep Your Pets Safe When The Unexpected Happens
By Ring on June 11, 2026
June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and it's the perfect time to ask yourself a question most pet owners never think about until it's too late: if something happened right now, would my pet be safe? According to a survey conducted by the ASPCA, more than 83% of pet owners live in areas affected by natural disasters, but only 23% have been forced to evacuate their homes during an emergency event.1 Preparing for the unexpected doesn't require a complete overhaul of your life. There are a few simple steps that can help make all the difference to ensure you stay connected to your pets before, during, and after an emergency.
What You Should Include in Your Pet’s Emergency Kit
When disaster strikes, you may not have time to gather supplies. Having an emergency kit ready with supplies for your pet makes for one less thing to worry about in a high-stress moment. Your kit should include:
You may also consider including comfort items like your pet’s favorite blanket or toy to help reduce anxiety in an unfamiliar environment. Store your kit somewhere accessible, not buried in the back of a closet. And check it every few months to rotate food, update medications, and swap in a current photo.
Consider setting up a Pet Profile in the Ring App with a current photo and your pet's details. It's accessible, up to date, and ready to share if your pet goes missing during an emergency.
Create An Evacuation Plan That Includes Your Pet
Most people have some version of an evacuation plan for their family. Far fewer have one that accounts for their pets. In fact, the ASPCA reported that only 46% of people indicated they have an emergency plan in place.1 Develop your plan by first identifying pet-friendly shelters and hotels in your area. Not all emergency shelters accept animals, so knowing what your options are before you need them can help when time is of the essence.
Practice your evacuation route with your pet in tow, carrier and all other items you may need.2 If your pet has never been in a crate in the car during a stressful moment, the middle of an emergency is not the time to introduce the experience. So, acclimate them to it beforehand.
Consider designating a trusted neighbor or friend as a backup caretaker in case you're not home when an emergency hits. Make sure they know where your pet emergency kit is stored and how to access your home if needed. If you're unable to take or get t your pet during an emergency, consider installing a Ring Indoor Cam so you can check on your pet remotely. You can use Two-Way Talk to speak to them in a soothing voice while you assess the situation and make your way home.
Ensure Your Pet Has Proper Identification
In the chaos of an emergency, pets may run away. Doors get left open, fences get damaged, and even the calmest animals can panic and run. If your pet gets separated from you, identification is one of the fastest means to reuniting with them. A Ring Pet Tag combines a traditional pet tag with a QR code that displays a digital Pet Profile when scanned. The profile includes your pet's details and offers an easy way to facilitate
What You Should Do If Your Pet Goes Missing
The first few hours after a pet goes missing are the most critical window for recovery. Search your immediate neighborhood first because panicked pets often hide close to home, under porches, in bushes, or behind garages. Alert your neighbors, contact local shelters, and post on community boards and social media with a recent photo and description.
Search Party for Dogs lets you report a missing dog directly in the Ring App. Once you do, nearby participating outdoor Ring cameras begin scanning for potential matches using AI-powered computer vision. The system looks for dogs that resemble yours and alerts camera owners if there's a possible match. They can then choose to share footage with you or contact you directly.
How Ring Can Help Keep Your Pets Safe Year-Round
Preparedness isn't just about emergencies. It's about building daily habits that keep your pets safe, visible, and accounted for all year long. Ring Outdoor Cameras can help you monitor your yard and spot when pets are near gates, fences, or other potential escape points. Ring Smart Lighting illuminates dark areas of your property so you can see your pets clearly at night, whether they're in the backyard or near the driveway. Ring Indoor Cameras help you keep an eye on pets while you're at work, running errands, or traveling. And with the Neighbors App keeps you connected with your local community for real-time alerts about lost or found pets in your area, so you're never navigating an emergency alone.
Your Pets Can't Prepare For Themselves
National Pet Preparedness Month isn't about fear. It's about love. It's about recognizing that the animals who greet us at the door, sleep at the foot of our beds, and make our houses feel like homes are counting on us to have a plan.
Build the kit. Practice the route. Set up the Pet Profile. Link the Pet Tag. And know that if the unexpected ever does happen, Ring's ecosystem of cameras, Search Party for Dogs, Pet Tags, and the Neighbors App is designed to help you stay aware, act fast, and lean on your community when it matters most.
Explore Ring for Pets to prepare your pet for a potential disaster.
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