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Sunday night. The vet is closed. Your dog just cut a paw.
8 things every dog and cat owner should have at home, just in case.
A torn nail on a walk. A cat that won’t stop licking a spot. A pup who ate something questionable at the park.
Most of the time it’s minor. But having the right supplies ready means you can stay calm, handle small stuff, and know when it’s time to call the vet.
🐾 Start with these three
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping a pet first aid kit at home and in the car, along with your vet’s number and an emergency clinic’s number.
Top 3 at a glance
Best for: Every pet owner, at home and in the car
Why it stands out: Pet-specific supplies in one place
Keep in mind: Restock after you use it
Best for: Deciding how urgent a problem is
Why it stands out: A real number to tell your vet
Keep in mind: Ask your vet how to use it
Best for: Escape artists and outdoor pets
Why it stands out: Find them faster if they get out
Keep in mind: May require a subscription
8 pet care must-haves
🏆 Start here#1Pet first aid kit
Gauze, wraps, tweezers and more, all made for pets.
A compact 50-piece kit that folds small enough for a glovebox.
- Pet-specific supplies (vet wrap, tweezers, tick remover)
- Small enough to take on walks or in the car
- A guide or card with basic instructions
- Everything in one bag
- Easy to keep in the car
- You’ve already built your own kit from supplies at home.
💡 Pro tip: Add your vet’s number, a muzzle sized for your dog, and a copy of vaccine records.
Check our pick →or see pet first aid kits
🌡️ Know before you call#2Pet thermometer
A real number helps your vet decide how urgent it is.
A fast digital thermometer with a flexible tip, made for dogs and cats.
- Fast readings
- Flexible tip
- Easy-to-read display
- Gives your vet a real number
- Faster than guessing
- Your pet won’t tolerate it. Ask your vet to show you how.
💡 Pro tip: A normal temperature for dogs and cats is roughly 100.5–102.5°F. Outside that range, call your vet.
Check our pick →or see pet thermometers
🛡️ Stops licking#3Soft recovery cone
Keeps pets from licking wounds or stitches.
An inflatable recovery collar that many pets find more comfortable than a hard cone.
- Correct size by neck measurement
- Lets them eat, drink and sleep
- Check your vet approves it for the wound location
- More comfortable than hard plastic
- Lets pets eat and drink
- Your vet already sent you home with one that fits.
💡 Pro tip: Measure the neck and make sure your pet can’t reach the area. Inflatable collars don’t work for every wound location.
Check our pick →or see soft cones
✂️ Prevent torn nails#4Pet nail grinder
Short nails mean fewer snags, cracks and painful tears.
A quiet, rechargeable grinder with multiple speeds and grinding ports.
- Low noise for nervous pets
- Multiple speeds
- Rechargeable battery
- Quieter than clippers for many pets
- Less risk of cutting too short
- A groomer trims your pet’s nails regularly.
💡 Pro tip: Introduce it slowly. Let your pet hear it and get a treat before you touch a nail.
Check our pick →or see nail grinders
🦷 Often forgotten#5Pet toothbrush and toothpaste kit
Dental care at home between vet cleanings.
A pet toothpaste in pet-friendly flavors, sold for dogs and cats.
- Made for pets (never use human toothpaste)
- A flavor your pet likes
- Finger brush for beginners
- Pet-safe flavors
- Finger brushes for beginners
- Your vet already has your pet on a prescription dental product.
💡 Pro tip: Start with a few seconds a day. Doing it regularly matters more than perfect technique.
Check our pick →or see dental kits
🧻 Quick cleanups#6Pet grooming wipes
For muddy paws, messy faces and quick cleanups.
Gentle wipes for paws, faces and quick cleanups between baths.
- Gentle, pet-safe formula
- Unscented options for sensitive pets
- Large enough wipes for big dogs
- No bath needed
- Gentle formulas
- Your pet has a skin condition. Ask your vet what to use.
💡 Pro tip: Wipe paws after winter walks to remove road salt and de-icers.
Check our pick →or see grooming wipes
📍 Lost-pet backup#7Pet tracker tag for collar
If they slip out the door, you can find them faster.
A GPS tracker that clips to the collar and shows your pet’s location on your phone.
- Live GPS vs. Bluetooth-only tracking
- Battery life
- Subscription cost, if any
- Clips to most collars
- Shows location on your phone
- Your pet never goes outside and is microchipped. Still keep ID tags on.
💡 Pro tip: Keep your pet’s microchip registration up to date with your current phone number.
Check our pick →or see pet trackers
💧 On the go#8Collapsible travel bowl and water bottle
Water anywhere, on walks, hikes and car rides.
A portable bottle with a built-in drinking tray for walks and car rides.
- Leak-proof lock
- One-hand use
- Size for your walk length
- Built-in drinking tray
- Easy to carry on walks
- You only walk short distances near home.
💡 Pro tip: On hot days, offer water often and avoid walking on hot pavement.
Check our pick →or see travel bowlsBe ready before you need it
Save the numbers now
Put your vet, the nearest 24-hour emergency vet, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435, a fee may apply) in your phone.
Keep records handy
Store vaccine records and a recent photo of your pet on your phone.
Know when to go
Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, collapse, suspected poisoning, or a swollen belly in dogs need a vet right away.
Pet first aid mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Giving human medicine without calling the vet first.
- ❌ Not knowing where the nearest 24-hour emergency vet is until you need it.
- ❌ Keeping an old kit full of expired or used-up supplies.
Important: first aid supplies are for small problems and for getting your pet safely to the vet. They never replace veterinary care. When in doubt, call your vet.
Quick picks by pet
| If you have… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A young, active dog | First aid kit, nail grinder, travel bowl |
| A cat | Thermometer, grooming wipes, tracker tag |
| An older pet | Thermometer, soft cone, dental kit |
| A pet who travels with you | First aid kit, travel bowl, tracker tag |
Quick answers
What should a pet first aid kit include?
Gauze, self-stick wrap, tweezers, a thermometer, saline, and your vet’s phone number.
Can I give my pet human medicine?
Never without asking your vet. Some common human medicines are dangerous for pets.
Where should I keep the kit?
One at home and one in the car if your pet travels with you.
Ten minutes of prep now makes the scary moments easier.
Back to the top three ↑General information only, not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian about your pet’s health. How we choose: we did not test these products ourselves. Picks are based on product features, brand reputation, independent reviews and public guidance. Amazon prices and listings change. Photos: Unsplash and our library, illustrations only.