Pet Safety When You’re Not Home

cat sits on a windowsill and looking out the window

Whether you're going on a trip or just leaving your pet at home while you go to work for the day, it's important to keep the safety of your furry friends in mind or pet safety when you're not home. This can include their safety under normal circumstances as well as emergency situations.

Typically, most of us would prefer to be with our pet during emergencies and natural disasters, but it isn't always possible. This is especially true if there was an unexpected even. However, there are still some things you can do to make sure they're okay until you can have them safely returned to you.

The Basics

Food and Water

Naturally, living things need food and water. Depending on how long you're going to be gone, you should make sure that you leave enough of both for your pets to be able to survive on. If you can, it's a good idea to leave more than enough just so you don't have to worry about them running out too soon.

For pets that tend to chow down on all the food in the first day, a time-based food machine can be a great option. This will ensure food is given out in measured amounts when you program it to. Leaving some water in multiple locations can also be helpful while you aren't at home.

Chips and Collars

It's incredibly important to make sure that if your pets get lost for any reason, they'll be able to be returned to you. Consequently, you'll want them to have their collars on with tags that clearly state your name and phone number so that whoever finds them can easily get in touch with you.

If you've gotten your pets chipped, that's also a great way to ensure they're able to be returned. That way, even if they manage to ditch their collar, they still have a chance of being returned to you. Many people, animals shelters and vets will check for the chip so that your pet can get home.

Considering you have smaller breeds of cat such as miniature or teacup cats, you can at least make some DIY cat collars for their size.

Using a Kennel

Using a kennel can be a useful way to keep your pets safe when you're gone, but it does mean they can get less exercise. During the event a natural disaster occurs, a kennel can also make your pets easier to find and safely deliver from danger. However, depending on the kind of disaster it can also become more of a danger than a help.

Under normal circumstances, a kennel can be a good idea for pets that may be more anxious and likely to cause damage while you aren't home. This is definitely a decision that is up to you and the needs of your unique pet.

Speaking of getting anxious, pet proofing your home when you're not in travels can help alleviate anxiety and stress.

Temperature Control

Another important factor to consider is making sure your pets are in a comfortable temperature while you're at home. If you have a standard type of household air conditioning or heating, then this might mean just setting a comfortable temperature and leaving it be while you're away.

However, a little more thought needs to be put into this if you don't have a home that has air conditioning or heating. You'll need to make sure that there is somewhere in the home your pets can go to cool off or warm up when needed, so that they can be comfortable.

Some cat breeds are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, so it is important to know what your cat's comfort zone is.

Emergencies/Natural Disasters

Carry a Card

There are a number of different kinds of emergencies that can occur. Carrying a card is a great one for if an emergency happens to you specifically. Using it, people who are helping you will be able to see that you have pets at home, which will allow them to get ahold of a friend or family member who can check in on them.

After all, it is less likely that you'll have set things up so that they'll be comfortable for a few days if there is an emergency you didn't expect. Just keep a card in your wallet or purse that lets the reader know you have pets at home, and likely what kind they are so that they can be taken care of.

Hide a Key

Along with keeping a card, it's a good idea to have a key hidden somewhere outside your home so that friends and family can get in to help your animals. This can be a tricky concept, as you want to make sure those who might try to break into your home can't find it.

Because of that, it's best to not use an obvious hiding spot. Make sure the key is hidden very well and that the directions to it are written on the card you keep with you so that it can be found when needed. You can also choose to keep a key with the card if that suits your tastes better.

Window Decals

In the event of a natural disaster, it might be possible that first responders need to get into your home to rescue any pets you may have. You can make this process a lot easier by providing an easy-to-see decal that tells them how many pets are in the home and what kind.

That way, responders will know what to look for rather than just grabbing any pets they see and hoping they got all of them. These decals are often rather inexpensive to get ahold of, so it's a small price to pay to help ensure the safety of your pets if you can't be there to save them yourself.

Just for an added info, this short video is about signs that your pet needs some help or attention:


Overall, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your pets are safe and comfortable even if you aren't there with them. These can be useful whether you're just going to work or plan to be away for a few days.

If it helps, you can make a checklist that will ensure you cover all of your pet's bases while you're out of the home. Or if you'd rather, you can always find a quality boarding facility that will allow them a little vacation while you enjoy yours.