Heatwave emergency kit for pets in Europe 2026: complete emergency checklist

Heatwaves in Europe during 2026 are breaking records, and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration, and burns. This heatwave emergency kit for pets in Europe will help you prepare in advance, ensuring you have everything needed to protect dogs, cats, and other pets during the most critical days. The checklist includes essential supplies, home adjustments, and action protocols to guarantee their safety.

Why this kit is essential in Europe this summer

In countries like Spain, Italy, France, or Greece, temperatures frequently exceed 40°C in July and August, and heatwave alerts are activated days in advance. Pets don’t regulate their body temperature like humans, so they rely on you to stay cool. This checklist is adapted to European regulations (such as access to public spaces with pets during evacuations) and products available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and pet stores across the EU.

Save this list in Foco to review it before every heatwave alert. Use Panorama mode to see all pending tasks for this project alongside your other work, or switch to Foco mode to concentrate solely on your pet’s preparation. Assign priorities (urgent for items to buy today, important for those you can postpone) and set reminders to avoid forgetting to check supplies weekly.

• Buy a digital pet thermometer (range 35-42°C) and learn how to take your pet’s rectal temperature in an emergency
• Prepare an emergency bag with: 3 litres of bottled water, a collapsible bowl, chilled wet towels, and hydrating snacks (like seedless watermelon or courgette)
• Purchase a cooling mat for pets (available in pet stores or pharmacies) and test it before using it in an emergency
• Create a cool space at home with a fan or air conditioning (set to 24-26°C) and place a cooling mat or damp towel on the floor
• Buy pet-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) and apply it to sensitive areas (nose, ears, belly) if your pet has light fur or exposed skin
• Check that your pet’s microchip is up to date and attach an ID tag with your phone number in case they get lost during an evacuation
• Prepare a pet first-aid kit with: gauze, saline solution, round-tip scissors, gloves, and the phone numbers of your vet and the nearest 24-hour emergency service
• Identify veterinary clinics with emergency services in your area and save their addresses and hours on your phone (in Europe, look for your country’s veterinary emergency network, like the Colegio de Veterinarios in Spain)
• Buy a thermal water spray to cool your pet during short walks and use protective booties to prevent paw pad burns
• Set reminders in Foco to check your pet’s water levels every 2 hours during heatwaves and replace it if it’s lukewarm
• Avoid walks during peak heat hours (12:00 to 18:00) and opt for early morning or late evening outings, always carrying water and avoiding hot surfaces like asphalt
• Prepare an evacuation plan for your pet: identify pet-friendly hotels in your area or relatives’ homes outside the city, and keep a travel crate with their favourite blanket
• Make homemade pet popsicles (with plain yoghurt and allowed fruit) or ice cubes with low-sodium chicken broth to keep them hydrated
• Ensure windows and balconies have secure screens to prevent falls if your pet seeks airflow
• Learn to recognise heatstroke symptoms in pets (excessive panting, red or pale gums, lethargy, vomiting) and save the action protocol in Foco’s notes
• Buy a portable fan for the car if you travel with your pet and ensure the air conditioning works before leaving
• Prepare a list of summer-forbidden foods (chocolate, grapes, onions) and keep it on the fridge as a reminder
• Contact your vet to ask if your pet needs electrolyte supplements during heatwaves (especially brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs or Persians)