Pet emergencies: the plan and the go-bag
How to prepare for an earthquake, fire or evacuation with a pet: what goes in the emergency bag, what the plan looks like, and how you'll reunite if separated.
Gatsou Team
· 6 min read
Earthquakes, wildfires, evacuations — in Greece, emergencies aren't a theoretical scenario. A simple plan and a ready bag make the critical difference: when everything happens in minutes, you don't want to be hunting for the leash, the papers and the carrier.
Your pet's emergency go-bag
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Food and bottled water for 3 days, with collapsible bowls
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Any medication they take, with dosage instructions
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A copy of the health book and the microchip number
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Leash, collar with ID tag — and a muzzle for dogs
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Carrier in an accessible spot, not buried in storage
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Blanket, waste bags, portable litter for cats
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A recent photo of you TOGETHER with your pet — it proves they're yours
Earthquake — what do I do with my pet?
During the shaking, protect yourself first — don't chase your pet while the house is moving; animals instinctively find cover. Right after, leash the dog or put the cat in the carrier BEFORE opening any doors: panicked animals bolt and get lost in the first aftershocks. Learn your cat's hiding spots in advance — you'll save precious time.
Fire and evacuation
1
Pets leave with you — from the first moment
Don't "come back for them later" and never leave them behind tied up or locked in. If you evacuate, so do they.
2
Have a destination arranged in advance
Relatives, friends or pet-friendly accommodation outside your area. Note 2-3 options in the bag.
3
Keep the carrier ready
In an evacuation, a loose animal in a car full of smoke and sirens is a danger to everyone.
4
If you absolutely must leave them
Never tied up. Leave them in a closed, safe room with water and food, and mark clearly on the door that an animal is inside.
If you're separated: how will they find you?
The microchip is your strongest card — but only if your details in the National Registry are current. Check that your phone number and address are correct. Add an ID tag on the collar and keep recent, clear photos of your pet. On Gatsou you can also post a lost-pet listing so your local community is alerted immediately.
Do a 2-minute check today: is the phone number registered to the chip your current one? Outdated registry details are the most common reason lost pets never make it home.
Documents and contacts at the ready
The go-bag contact list
Your vet and the emergency clinic, a trusted pet-sitter or neighbor with a key, and your pet's microchip number. Printed — in emergencies your phone may be out of battery or signal.
Refresh the bag twice a year: check expiry dates on food and medication and update the documents. A good trick is doing it when the clocks change — that way you never forget.
Frequently asked
What goes in a pet emergency go-bag?
Three days of food and water, medication, a copy of the health book and the chip number, leash and muzzle, a carrier, a blanket and a recent photo of you together with your pet.
How do I update my pet's microchip details?
Details in the National Pet Registry are updated through your vet or via the registry's digital platform. Make sure your phone number and address are always current.
What do I do with my cat during an earthquake?
Protect yourself first. After the shaking, find her — learn her hiding spots in advance — and put her in the carrier before opening doors or going outside, so she doesn't bolt during aftershocks.
Where can I stay with a pet during an evacuation?
Arrange 2-3 options in advance: relatives or friends outside your area and pet-friendly accommodation. Official shelters often don't accept pets — which is why your own plan matters.
Related guides
First aid for dogs and cats
What to do for bleeding, choking, poisoning or heatstroke until you reach the vet — and what belongs in your pet's first aid kit.
Traveling with your dog or cat: the complete guide
How to prepare your pet for travel by car, ferry or plane: documents, carrier training, motion sickness, and the complete packing list.