Pet first-aid kit: a printable checklist

The call comes at 9:47 pm on a Tuesday. The dog has been limping since the afternoon walk, and now she won't put the leg down at all, and the owner is in the car driving to the emergency clinic. She calls from the parking lot to ask what she should have brought. The answer, in her case, is: nothing — the dog needs a vet, and the vet needs the dog. But in many other calls, the answer is something different. The answer is: a first-aid kit, used appropriately, in the first 15 minutes after the event, can stabilize a pet long enough to get to the clinic without the situation getting worse. It can also make the difference between a recoverable injury and a permanent one, between a manageable toxin exposure and a fatal one, between a pet that arrives at the clinic alive and one that doesn't.

This article is going to walk you through exactly what should be in a home pet first-aid kit, what the supplies are for, when to use them and when not to use them, and the printable checklist you can tape to the inside of a cabinet door so that, in the moment, you do not have to remember what you bought two years ago and where you put it. I'm an emergency veterinarian, and the kit I describe below is the kit I would build for my own pets. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is the bridge to veterinary care.

The kit has four parts: the container, the consumable supplies, the medications, and the reference materials. I'll walk through each one and explain what is essential, what is useful but not essential, and what to skip.

The container

A good first-aid kit container is waterproof, portable, clearly labeled, and has a defined location that every member of the household knows. The options:

• A hard plastic toolbox (the standard choice). Available at any hardware store, $15–30, holds the supplies well, has a handle for portability, and is waterproof. The downside is that it is not soft, and a hard case can be a problem in a small apartment.

• A soft-sided fishing tackle bag. The kind with multiple internal pockets and a waterproof bottom. Holds the supplies well, is portable, is soft enough to fit in a closet, and is typically $25–50.

• A clear plastic storage container with a latching lid. Available at any home goods store, $15–25, allows you to see the contents without opening, and is easy to organize with internal dividers. Less portable than the other options but a good choice for the stationary household kit.

I use a hard plastic toolbox. The case is in the laundry room, on a shelf at adult-eye height, with a label that says "PET FIRST AID KIT — [pet names]" in large red letters. Every member of the household knows where it is.

The kit should be checked and restocked every 6 months. The medications expire. The batteries in the digital thermometer die. The hydrogen peroxide evaporates. The check is on the calendar for January 1 and July 1 of every year, and the check is part of the household routine.

The consumable supplies

The consumable supplies are the non-medication items that you use for wound care, for stabilization, for cleaning, and for transport. Here is the list, with what each item is for and the approximate cost.

Gauze pads (4x4 inch), sterile, individually wrapped — 20 count. For wound coverage, wound cleaning, and pressure application. The single most-used item in any first-aid kit. Cost: $5–8.

Gauze roll, 2-inch width, sterile — 2 rolls. For wrapping wounds, for securing splints, for muzzle alternatives in certain situations. Cost: $3–5.

Non-stick pads (Telfa), 3x4 inch — 10 count. For covering wounds without adhering to the wound bed. Cost: $4–6.

Self-adhering bandage (Vetrap or equivalent), 2-inch and 4-inch widths — 2 rolls of each. For securing dressings, for light support, for splint padding. The self-adhering type sticks to itself but not to the fur, which is a real advantage. Cost: $8–12 per roll.

Medical tape, 1-inch width — 1 roll. For securing dressings. Hypoallergenic paper tape is best. Cost: $3–5.

Hydrogen peroxide 3%, 16 oz — 1 bottle. For inducing vomiting in dogs (under veterinary guidance only — see below), for cleaning wounds, for decontaminating surfaces. Cost: $2–3.

Sterile saline, 16 oz — 2 bottles. For flushing wounds, for flushing eyes, for general decontamination. Contact lens saline is acceptable. Cost: $5–8 per bottle.

Chlorhexidine 2% solution, 8 oz — 1 bottle. For diluting to a 0.05% solution for wound flushing. The dilution is 1 part chlorhexidine to 40 parts water. Cost: $8–12.

Povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution, 8 oz — 1 bottle. For wound flushing, dilute to a "weak tea" color (roughly 1:10 with water). Cost: $5–8.

Styptic pencil or Kwik Stop — 1. For stopping bleeding from a torn toenail. The single most common minor injury in dogs, and the one that looks the most dramatic. Cost: $5–8.

Tweezers, blunt-tipped — 1 pair. For removing splinters, ticks, and debris from wounds. The blunt-tipped type is safer than the pointed type. Cost: $4–6.

Scissors, blunt-tipped (bandage scissors) — 1 pair. For cutting bandage material. The blunt tip on the lower blade prevents cutting the pet while cutting the bandage. Cost: $6–10.

Digital thermometer, rectal, fast-read — 1. A pet's normal temperature is 100.5–102.5°F (38.0–39.2°C). Temperatures above 104°F or below 99°F are emergencies. The thermometer should be labeled "PET" in permanent marker and stored separately from the household thermometer. Cost: $8–15.

Lubricating jelly (water-soluble, individual packets) — 5 packets. For lubricating the thermometer. Cost: $3–4.

Disposable gloves, nitrile, medium — 10 pairs. For wound care, for hygiene, for personal protection. Cost: $6–10 per box.

Muzzle, soft fabric or basket type, appropriate for your pet's size — 1. Even the sweetest, most trusted dog can bite when in pain. A muzzle is not a sign of mistrust. A muzzle is a sign of preparation. The muzzle should be fitted to the pet in advance (so it can be put on quickly in an emergency) and should be of a type that allows the pet to pant (basket muzzles or fabric muzzles with adequate ventilation). Cost: $8–20.

E-collar (Elizabethan collar, plastic or soft) — 1, in your pet's size. For preventing the pet from licking or chewing at a wound or injury. The inflatable and soft fabric versions are less stressful for the pet and are adequate for most minor injuries. Cost: $10–20.

Towels, clean, medium-sized — 2. For wrapping, for warming, for restraint, for transport. Cost: $5–10.

Cold pack, instant-activation — 2. For cold compresses on acute injuries (twisted paw, hot spot, insect sting). Wrap in a thin towel before applying. Cost: $4–6.

Heat pack, instant-activation or microwaveable — 1. For warming a hypothermic pet (especially small dogs, cats, or small mammals that have been in a cold environment). Wrap in a thin towel. Cost: $4–8.

Tick removal tool (e.g., Tick Twister) — 1. For safe tick removal. The tool grips the tick at the mouthparts and rotates it out without leaving the head embedded. Cost: $5–8.

Penlight or small flashlight — 1. For examining the mouth, ears, and eyes. Cost: $5–10.

Syringe, 10 mL, no needle — 2. For flushing wounds, for administering oral medications, for feeding a sick pet. Cost: $2–3 per syringe.

Cotton balls and cotton swabs — small container of each. For cleaning, for applying medications, for general use. Cost: $3–5.

Ziploc bags, gallon size — 5. For holding soiled materials, for containing a sample of vomit or stool for the vet, for general use. Cost: $2–3.

The total cost of the consumable supplies, in 2025 prices, is roughly $150–250 depending on the specific brands and where you buy. The kit is a one-time investment with annual restocking of $20–40 (mostly the peroxide, saline, and any expired medications).

The medications

The medications in a home pet first-aid kit are limited to those that are safe, that have a wide margin of error, and that are useful in a true emergency. Anything that requires precise dosing, that is prescription-only, or that has significant side effects belongs in the hands of a vet, not a first-aid kit.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), 25 mg tablets. The single most useful over-the-counter medication in a pet first-aid kit. The dose for dogs is 1 mg per pound (2 mg per kg) by mouth, every 8 hours. Indications: allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, insect stings), mild sedation for travel, mild itch relief. The 25 mg tablet is appropriate for a 25-pound dog; the 50 mg tablet (Benadryl Allergy) is appropriate for a 50-pound dog. For cats, the dose is 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg per kg), and only the 25 mg tablet is appropriate (the 50 mg is too concentrated for most cats). Cost: $5–8 for 100 tablets.

Important contraindications: diphenhydramine is not safe in pets with certain conditions (glaucoma, prostate disease, certain heart conditions, seizure disorders). Check with your vet before using if your pet has any chronic medical condition. Do not use the combination cold-and-flu formulations (which contain acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine, both toxic to pets).

Hydrogen peroxide 3% — for inducing vomiting in dogs. Already on the list above, but it earns a second mention because it is the most-used "medication" in a true toxin exposure emergency. The dose for dogs is 1 mL per pound (2 mL per kg) by mouth, with a maximum of 45 mL. The dose can be repeated once after 10 minutes if vomiting has not occurred.

Critical: call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) before inducing vomiting. Some toxins are worse coming back up than going down (caustic substances, petroleum products, sharp objects). The vet or the poison control center will tell you whether to induce and how. Cost: included in the consumable supplies.

Famotidine (Pepcid AC), 10 mg tablets. For reducing stomach acid in cases of mild GI upset. The dose for dogs is 0.25–0.5 mg per pound (0.5–1 mg per kg) by mouth, every 12 hours. Indications: mild vomiting, mild diarrhea, gastric upset from a dietary indiscretion. The medication is supportive, not curative, and a pet with persistent GI signs needs a vet visit. Cost: $5–10 for 30 tablets.

Activated charcoal, suspension (e.g., Toxiban). For binding certain toxins in the GI tract after a recent ingestion. This is a more advanced medication and is most appropriate for households with a pet that is at known risk of toxin exposure (e.g., a working dog in an environment with rodenticides). The dose is weight-specific, and the use is best guided by poison control. Cost: $15–30 per bottle.

Sterile saline eye wash — 4 oz bottle. For flushing the eye after debris exposure, chemical splash, or foreign body. The eye is too delicate for tap water; sterile saline is the appropriate flushing solution. Cost: $5–8.

Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment, plain (no steroid) — 1 tube. For minor eye injuries, scratches, or irritations. The plain triple antibiotic ophthalmic (without hydrocortisone) is appropriate. Use only after flushing the eye with saline, and only for a single application before transport to the vet. The steroid-containing ophthalmics can worsen certain eye injuries and should not be in the kit. Cost: $10–15.

What NOT to include in the kit: aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, any human pain medication, any prescription pet medication that has been discontinued or has expired, any medication that was prescribed for a different pet. These medications are either toxic to pets (acetaminophen is toxic to cats in any dose and toxic to dogs in moderate doses; ibuprofen is toxic to dogs in moderate doses) or are dangerous without specific veterinary guidance.

The reference materials

The reference materials are the items that help you, in the moment, figure out what to do. The most panicked moment of an emergency is the moment when you do not know what to do. The reference materials are the bridge from panic to action.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center phone number — 888-426-4435. There is a consultation fee ($95 in 2025), but the service is 24/7, and the toxicologists who answer are the same experts that veterinary emergency clinics call for complex cases. Tape this number to the inside of the kit lid. Tape it to the inside of the cabinet door where the kit is stored. Tape it to the refrigerator. The number should be findable in the dark, in the panic, in the moment.

The Pet Poison Helpline number — 855-764-7661. A second 24/7 toxicology resource. Also a consultation fee. Worth having as a backup.

Your primary care vet's phone number, the local emergency clinic's phone number, and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic's phone number. All three, in large print, taped to the inside of the kit lid.

A printed reference card on basic first aid. Many veterinary clinics and animal welfare organizations publish printable first-aid reference cards. The card should cover:

• How to take a pet's temperature, pulse, and respiration rate.

• How to perform CPR on a dog and on a cat (the technique is similar to human CPR but with some key differences in hand placement and compression depth).

• How to control bleeding (direct pressure, elevation, pressure points).

• How to induce vomiting in dogs (and when not to).

• How to treat for shock (keep the pet warm, lying on its side, head slightly lower than the body, transport immediately).

• The list of common toxins (chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, antifreeze, rat poison, lilies for cats, ibuprofen, acetaminophen) and the early signs of each.

A printed reference card on the pet's specific medical conditions. If your pet has a chronic condition (diabetes, Addison's disease, heart disease, seizure disorder, chronic kidney disease), a printed card with the condition, the medications, the dose, the emergency signs, and the vet's phone number is the difference between a calm response and a panicked one. Update the card every vet visit.

The printable checklist

The following checklist is the kit I would build for my own pets. The check is for January 1 and July 1 of every year.

The container

• [ ] Hard plastic toolbox, soft tackle bag, or clear storage container

• [ ] Clearly labeled "PET FIRST AID KIT — [pet names]"

• [ ] Stored in a defined location known to all household members

• [ ] Checked and restocked on January 1 and July 1

The consumable supplies

• [ ] Gauze pads, 4x4, sterile, individually wrapped, 20 count

• [ ] Gauze roll, 2-inch, sterile, 2 rolls

• [ ] Non-stick pads (Telfa), 3x4, 10 count

• [ ] Self-adhering bandage, 2-inch, 1 roll

• [ ] Self-adhering bandage, 4-inch, 1 roll

• [ ] Medical tape, 1-inch, 1 roll

• [ ] Hydrogen peroxide 3%, 16 oz, 1 bottle

• [ ] Sterile saline, 16 oz, 2 bottles

• [ ] Chlorhexidine 2% solution, 8 oz, 1 bottle

• [ ] Povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution, 8 oz, 1 bottle

• [ ] Styptic pencil or Kwik Stop, 1

• [ ] Tweezers, blunt-tipped, 1 pair

• [ ] Scissors, blunt-tipped (bandage scissors), 1 pair

• [ ] Digital thermometer, rectal, fast-read, 1 (labeled "PET")

• [ ] Lubricating jelly, individual packets, 5

• [ ] Disposable gloves, nitrile, 10 pairs

• [ ] Muzzle, fitted to the pet, 1

• [ ] E-collar (Elizabethan collar), 1, in pet's size

• [ ] Towels, clean, medium, 2

• [ ] Cold pack, instant-activation, 2

• [ ] Heat pack, instant-activation, 1

• [ ] Tick removal tool, 1

• [ ] Penlight or small flashlight, 1

• [ ] Syringe, 10 mL, no needle, 2

• [ ] Cotton balls, small container

• [ ] Cotton swabs, small container

• [ ] Ziploc bags, gallon, 5

The medications

• [ ] Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg tablets, 1 bottle

• [ ] Famotidine (Pepcid AC) 10 mg tablets, 1 bottle

• [ ] Sterile saline eye wash, 4 oz, 1 bottle

• [ ] Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment, plain (no steroid), 1 tube

• [ ] Activated charcoal suspension (optional, for high-risk households)

The reference materials

• [ ] ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435

• [ ] Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

• [ ] Primary care vet phone number

• [ ] Local emergency clinic phone number

• [ ] 24-hour emergency clinic phone number

• [ ] Printed first-aid reference card (CPR, bleeding control, vomiting induction, etc.)

• [ ] Pet-specific medical condition card (if applicable)

• [ ] Pen and small notebook for recording vital signs and observations

What to do in the moment

The first-aid kit is not a substitute for veterinary care. The kit is a bridge. The framework for the first 15 minutes of a true emergency:

Step 1 (0–2 minutes): stay calm. Take three slow breaths. Assess the situation. Is the pet breathing? Is the pet conscious? Is there active bleeding? Is there an obvious toxin exposure?

Step 2 (2–5 minutes): if there is active bleeding, apply direct pressure with a gauze pad. If the pet is not breathing, begin CPR. If the pet has been exposed to a known toxin, call the poison control center before doing anything else.

Step 3 (5–10 minutes): if the situation is stable enough to transport, call the emergency clinic and let them know you are coming. They will be ready when you arrive. If the situation is not stable, focus on stabilization (bleeding control, breathing support, body temperature maintenance) before transport.

Step 4 (10–15 minutes): transport. Bring the pet, the first-aid kit, and any sample of the suspected toxin (packaging, plant material, vomit sample). Drive safely. The pet needs you calm, not panicked.

The 15 minutes between the event and the vet clinic are the minutes where the first-aid kit matters. The minutes before the vet. The bridge to care. The kit is the difference between arriving at the clinic with a stabilized pet and arriving at the clinic with a pet whose condition has deteriorated in the car. Build the kit. Check the kit. Tape the checklist to the cabinet door. Be ready for the moment you hope never comes.

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About the author

Sofia Martinez, DVM, is an emergency and critical care veterinarian with 12+ years of experience in high-volume emergency clinics and academic referral hospitals. She has a particular interest in pre-veterinary stabilization, toxicology, and the education of pet owners in basic emergency preparedness. She writes regularly on the practical realities of pet emergency care, with the goal of helping owners bridge the gap between the home and the clinic.