The Best Pet First-Aid Kits (for Dogs and Cats)

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: January 25, 2023
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Keeping your pet safe and healthy through injury and illness is an important responsibility for a pet owner. Having a first-aid kit on hand can help prevent small injuries from becoming big problems. Most first-aid kits for dogs and cats contain basic items similar to those you would expect to find in a first-aid kit for people: gauze, bandages, and wraps. Some items, like thermometers, are made for pets and should not be confused with the ones that you have on hand for the human members of your family.

Choosing the right pet first-aid kit will depend on your lifestyle and what type of injuries your pet may face. It’s a great idea to have a kit at home, in the car, and for emergencies. If you do any extreme sports or activities with your pet in tow, make sure to pack an appropriate first-aid kit with everything you may need to tend to injuries as they come up.

  1. PushOn Dog First Aid Kit with Thermometer and Emergency Blanket
    • Includes an electric thermometer and emergency blanket to prevent hypothermia
    • Compact, lightweight, durable zippered pouch measures 6.69 x 4.33 x 2.17 inches and features an adhesive strip that can be attached to your dog's leash or your backpack
    • Contains a thermometer, scissors, tweezers, emergency blanket, instant ice pack, 10 disposable gloves, alcohol pads, sterile non-woven gauze, 20 450cm elastic bandages, cotton swabs, 450cm first-aid tape, and 30 bandaids
    • Lifetime guarantee
    Check Amazon
  2. Adventure Medical Kits First Aid Kit for Dogs
    • Waterproof and resealable
    • Perfect for travel
    • Affordable option
    • Great to keep in the car
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit
    • One of the bestselling kits
    • Contains 100 pieces of first aid equipment
    • Exterior case is shockproof and water-resistant
    • Includes a small travel pouch
    Check Amazon
  4. Pet Evac Pak Small Dog Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier
    • Suitable for emergencies
    • Includes a small first aid kit 
    • Included carrier
    • Includes food and water
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Pet first-aid Kits

#1 Best Overall: PushOn Dog First-Aid Kit with Thermometer and Emergency Blanket

In our review, the #1 Best Overall pet first-aid kit is thePushOn Dog First-Aid Kit with Thermometer and Emergency Blanket. This kit is small enough to take on the go but still has everything that you may need to tend to injuries and check on issues with your pet’s health. It comes with a thermometer and an emergency blanket to help prevent hypothermia.

This kit comes in a compact, lightweight, durable, zippered, camouflage-print pouch that measures 6.69 x 4.33 x 2.17 inches. The pouch features an adhesive strip that you can attach to your dog’s leash or to your backpack so you’ll have it in case of emergency.

In addition to the thermometer and emergency blanket, you’ll find scissors, tweezers, an instant ice pack, 10 disposable gloves, alcohol pads, sterile non-woven gauze, 20 450cm elastic bandages, cotton swabs, 450cm first-aid tape, and 30 Band-Aids.

Plus, this highly rated pet emergency kit is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive. In fact, only one reviewer had a negative comment. They said, “Better to buy a separate mole with more stable Velcro attachment option. The stuff inside is eh…”

Pros and Cons of the PushOn Dog First-Aid Kit with Thermometer and Emergency Blanket

ProsCons
This first-aid kit contains a thermometer and an emergency blanket.One reviewer said, “Better to buy a separate mole with more stable Velcro attachment option. The stuff inside is eh…”
The kit comes in a durable zippered, camouflage-print pouch that measures 6.69 x 4.33 x 2.17 and has an adhesive strip that you can attach to your pet’s leash or your backpack.
In addition to the thermometer and emergency blanket, this first-aid kit includes scissors, tweezers, an instant ice pack, 10 disposable gloves, alcohol pads, sterile non-woven gauze, 20 450cm elastic bandages, cotton swabs, 450cm first-aid tape, and 30 Band-Aids.
It’s backed by a life-time guarantee.
Best with Thermometer
PushOn Dog First Aid Kit with Thermometer and Emergency Blanket
  • Includes an electric thermometer and emergency blanket to prevent hypothermia
  • Compact, lightweight, durable zippered pouch measures 6.69 x 4.33 x 2.17 inches and features an adhesive strip that can be attached to your dog's leash or your backpack
  • Contains a thermometer, scissors, tweezers, emergency blanket, instant ice pack, 10 disposable gloves, alcohol pads, sterile non-woven gauze, 20 450cm elastic bandages, cotton swabs, 450cm first-aid tape, and 30 bandaids
  • Lifetime guarantee
Check Amazon

2. Best for Travel: Adventure Medical Kits First-Aid Kit for Dogs

Adventure Medical Kits makes a wide variety of medical kits in resealable storage bags for pets, and the Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Series Heeler Canine First-Aid Kit is our favorite. This waterproof, resealable option is perfect for travel. It has everything that you need, including bandages and dressings for wound care, bandages to wrap sprains, tweezers, a medical guide, and antihistamines. It is also one of the most affordable options available. You’ll never need to worry if you misplace or lose the kit during your travels.

We recommend having a few of these first-aid kits on hand so that you are never without the necessities when it’s time to plan your next adventure with your pet. And don’t forget to keep one in the car for unplanned adventures. It has everything that you need for injuries, sprains, burns, fractures, and common allergens. You can also take care of ticks and other pests by removing them with the kit’s tweezers. If you are really in a pinch, this first-aid kit can even be used for human companions along with your dog.

It doesn’t have some of the tools that some pet parents like to keep on hand, such as a thermometer. For the budget-friendly price, however, we recommend adding a thermometer if that’s what is best for your pet and your lifestyle.

Like our previous choice, this product had only one negative review that said, “Not impressed.”

Pros and Cons of the Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Series Heeler Canine First-Aid Kit

ProsCons
This canine first-aid kit comes in a resealable waterproof bag.It doesn’t include a thermometer.
It includes bandages and dressings for wound care, bandages to wrap sprains, tweezers, a medical guide, and antihistamines.One reviewer said that they weren’t impressed.
Best for Travel
Adventure Medical Kits First Aid Kit for Dogs
  • Waterproof and resealable
  • Perfect for travel
  • Affordable option
  • Great to keep in the car
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Home Use: ARCA PET Cat and Dog First-Aid Kit

The ARCA PET Cat and Dog First-Aid Kit is one of the bestselling pet first-aid kits and it really does have everything you could need. It has 100 pieces of first-aid equipment, including alcohol pads, sting relief pads, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, dressings, safety pins, scissors, adhesive bandages, tape, gauze, cold packs, tweezers, a thermometer, gloves, an emergency collar, tick removing kit, and emergency blanket.

The ARCA PET cat and dog first-aid kit can be used for a variety of pets. It also has enough materials to supply a home with multiple pets. This kit is a bit larger than some other options, making it perfect for use at home. The exterior case is hard and shockproof as well as water-resistant. The interior of the kit is divided into three sections that seal individually.

If you want something that is easier to take on the go, ARCA includes a small travel pouch so you can make a mini kit to take with you. It’s the same bright orange color so it is easy to spot among your things, even in an emergency.

Several reviewers reported that the items in this kit were not specific to veterinary care; rather, they were intended for human first-aid. Also, a few reviewers said that the zipper on the case broke after a few uses.

Pros and Cons of the ARCA PET Cat and Dog First-Aid Kit

ProsCons
This pet first-aid kit contains 100 pieces of first-aid supplies, alcohol pads, sting relief pads, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, dressings, safety pins, scissors, adhesive bandages, tape, gauze, cold packs, tweezers, a thermometer, gloves, an emergency collar, tick removing kit, and emergency blanket.Some reviewers said that the items in this first-aid kit were intended for human use, not for pets.
This is a larger kit than the others in our review, so it’s perfect for at-home use, including for those with multiple pets.A few reviewers said that the zipper on the case broke after a few uses.
The interior of the kit is divided into three sections that seal individually.
The kit includes a small bright orange travel pouch so you can make a mini first-aid kit to carry with you.
Best for Home Use
ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit
  • One of the bestselling kits
  • Contains 100 pieces of first aid equipment
  • Exterior case is shockproof and water-resistant
  • Includes a small travel pouch
Check Amazon

4. Best Emergency Kit: Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit and Carrier

For emergencies where you may need to provide for your pet’s care at a moment’s notice, Pet Evac Paks are the best thing to have on hand, and we particularly like the Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit and Carrier. There are multiple options for small, medium, and large dogs as well as cats. You can even opt for a multi-pet kit. We recommend choosing a kit that has an included carrier or backpack. This will help you keep your pet safe as you travel, no matter what the situation.

The Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit and Carrier includes a soft-sided hideaway carrier that can be used as a backpack or shoulder bag. It measures 7“L x 12“H x 10”D and weighs 3.25 pounds when filled with the other components in the kit.

This first-aid kit has everything, including food and water! If, for example, you were lost in the woods with your dog, you would be grateful to have the 8 ounce package of dog food and 12 4.225 fl. ounce water pouches with you. It also includes two collapsible silicone travel bowl.

The contents of this emergency pack are too extensive to list here, but suffice it to say that it has everything to keep your pet safe for up to 72 hours, including essential first-aid supplies, a 6-foot slip lead, a Mylar blanket, an LED light with 1/2 mile visibility, and batteries.

These emergency kits are expensive and not the most economical choice for routine use. It’s best to keep one ready for a true emergency and leave the daily adventuring first-aid to something more budget-friendly. Pet Evac Pak offers a small first-aid kit with supplies to tend to wounds, burns, and ticks as part of their emergency kits.

No negative reviews are available for this product.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit and Carrier

ProsCons
This first-aid kit includes a soft-sided hideaway carrier that can be used as a backpack or shoulder bag that measures 7“L x 12“H x 10”D and weighs 3.25 pounds when filled with the other components in the kit.This emergency kit is expensive.
It includes everything you would need to keep your dog safe for up to 72 hours in an emergency, including essential first-aid supplies, a 6-foot slip lead, a Mylar blanket, an LED light with 1/2 mile visibility, and batteries.
Best Emergency Kit
Pet Evac Pak Small Dog Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier
  • Suitable for emergencies
  • Includes a small first aid kit 
  • Included carrier
  • Includes food and water
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When selecting the right first-aid kit for your pet-friendly home, consider what you may need and where you might use the kit. It can be helpful to have one on hand for home use and another that is more portable. Finally, if you have any extra needs or accessories for emergencies, including them in your first-aid kit can be a great way to be prepared for anything.

First-Aid Components

The most important thing to look for is a first-aid kit that has all the materials that you need to apply first-aid to your pet. Look for a kit that has a variety of bandages, gauze, burn dressings, as well as any tools needed to use these items, like scissors. You should also look for a kit that has alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, or a means of disinfecting wounds to prevent bacteria and infection. Many kits include tweezers or a tick-removal kit since these are common problems that pets encounter. More comprehensive kits can have a thermometer, first-aid guide, and cold packs or blankets to provide comfort, reduce swelling, and regulate temperature.

Portability

The portability of the ideal kit for you depends on where you plan to use it. We recommend having a larger, more comprehensive kit at home. Many pet owners even keep an emergency evacuation kit, including a travel bag, for their pets. For trips and adventures with your pet, a smaller kit that is easy to carry in a backpack is a great idea. Make sure that it has all of the basics needed for the environment where you will be going. For rugged adventures, look for something that is waterproof to keep the bandages and dressings inside usable no matter what situation you get into with your dog.

Extra Accessories

You don’t need a lot of fancy accessories to make a good pet first-aid kit but they can help keep things orderly. A carrying case that is made for the elements and easy to spot can be great. Pockets and pouches to keep things neat are also helpful. For larger kits, look for a pouch that can be detached to take when you need something smaller on the go.

The Different Types of Pet First-Aid Kits: Pros and Cons Compared

Most pet first-aid kits have a lot in common other than their size. Whether you are traveling or need something to keep in your cabinets at home, there is a pet first-aid kit that fits the bill. Consider the pros and cons of each type, as well as the environment where you might need a pet first-aid kit, before choosing.

  • Travel first-aid kit: Tend to be smaller and portable. Often come with a carrying case or bag. Can be cheaper. Does not include as many medical items as a larger kit.
  • At-home first-aid kit: Most comprehensive pet first-aid kit. Good for emergencies and for households with multiple pets. Often more expensive. Not great for travel or portability.

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About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

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