Pets in an emergency: shelters and evacuation

In short: microchip and vaccinate your pet in advance and pack its documents, a lead, a muzzle, a carrier, and food and water for a few days. Not every shelter lets animals in, so have a plan B: a safe place at home by the two-wall rule. When an air raid alert is issued, bring animals inside. If you evacuate, don’t leave your pet tied up or shut in.

Can you take a pet into a shelter?

Lithuania’s building regulation does not yet provide for animals in shelters, so the shelter’s operator decides whether to let them in. Some owners have already been turned away. In July 2026 the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) proposed setting up separate, clearly marked areas in shelters for people with animals.

Ask your municipality in advance which shelters near your home accept animals.
Keep a dog on a lead and muzzled, and cats and small animals in a carrier.
If you are not let in with your pet, take cover at home by the two-wall rule.

What to prepare for your pet

A microchip and registration — it makes it much easier to return a lost animal to its owner.
Vaccinations and a pet passport with the vaccination records.
A lead and a muzzle for a dog, a carrier for a cat or a small animal.
Food and water for at least 3 days, bowls and any regular medicines.
Litter or bags, a blanket and a favourite toy — your pet will be less anxious.
A photo of you with your pet, in case you need to prove it is yours.

These things can go in the same place as your family’s 72-hour kit.

When an air raid alert is issued

Bring your pets inside and close windows and doors.
Stay with them in the safest room without windows.
A frightened animal may bolt, so even indoors keep a dog on a lead and a cat in its carrier.
Don’t let animals outside until the alert is over.

Evacuating with a pet

Plan to take your pet with you. Don’t leave it tied up or shut in a cramped space — it can’t save itself.
Agree in advance with relatives or friends where you could stay with an animal.
In a flood, move small animals higher. Plan a place for farm animals in advance.
To travel to Latvia or Poland with a dog, cat or ferret you need a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. The route — leaving safely.
Don’t give potassium iodide tablets to animals — they are for people only.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog into a shelter in Lithuania?

The shelter’s operator decides: the law does not yet regulate this. Ask your municipality in advance and always keep your dog on a lead and muzzled.

What should I prepare for my pet for an emergency?

A microchip and registration, vaccinations and a pet passport, a lead and muzzle or a carrier, food and water for at least 3 days, medicines and a photo of you with your pet.

What do I need to take a dog or cat to Poland or Latvia?

A microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. These are EU rules for travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets.

Can I give my pet potassium iodide tablets?

No. The State Food and Veterinary Service does not recommend potassium iodide for animals, and it is not registered for animals in Lithuania.

What should I do during an air raid alert if my pet is outside?

Bring it inside as soon as possible and stay together in the safest room without windows. Don’t let it out until the alert is over.

Sources

This text summarises official guidance and does not replace instructions from the authorities. During an emergency, follow announcements from LRT and the authorities.

You may freely use this text and its data, commercially too — just add a link: <a href="https://incasemap.com/en/pets-in-an-emergency">InCaseMap</a> (more)