Your Dog’s Emergency Survival Kit (GUIDE)

There is a lot to be said for planning, especially if you live in an area where weather emergencies and natural disasters are common. You want to see your dog safely through these emergencies, just like the rest of the family. The most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to have an emergency survival kit. Well, guess what? Your pet needs one too!


Here are some tips for preparing a complete emergency kit for your pet. Make adjustments to the list as needed for your particular type of pet, and any special needs he may have.


**Hint – Keep emergency kits stocked and ready to use at all times. Store them in a convenient and easily accessible place where they are easy to grab and go! It is best if you store them with your supplies, so you have everything organized and all together. You will need to have at least a week’s amount of food. Make sure to seal it in a waterproof container to keep it fresh and prevent water damage. If your pet has ongoing health issues that require regular medication keep enough for a week sealed in a freezer bag and stored in the freezer to keep it fresh and viable.First Aid Kit (see the post on First Aid Kit for Dogs)A supply of flea, tick and mosquito repellent. Anytime the weather is wet, particularly after flooding occurs, the insects will be swarming and will attack any unprotected animal. Small bottles of animal shampoo and conditioner for bathing, in case of mud, is a problem – don’t forget a towel. Collapsible nylon bowls for food and water, plus a plastic water bottle. These items are inexpensive and compact. Laminated (water damage prevention) copies of ownership documents, registrations, licenses, vaccination records and medication instructions, along with contact information for your vet. I suggest putting a spare set of laminated copies in a waterproof baggie inside a small nylon pouch, and attaching it to your pet’s harness in case you become separated. A collar, plus a harness and leash fitted with sturdy plastic clasps, not metal. Lightning is a real danger in severe weather situations, and it can strike your pet. Be sure the pet leash is long so that you can tie it around your waist if needed to keep your hands free. Having both a collar and a harness is essential in flood situations, attach to the harness to prevent choking. Order some stamped plastic ID tags and rabies vaccination tags. Have them securely attached to the collar (these can be ordered online cheaply.)In easily flooded areas, your pet will need a life jacket. They can be obtained from pet supply companies. Medium and large dogs can carry backpacks, which lets them take a few essential supplies on their own. A crate is invaluable it only has to be large enough for them to, stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. For smaller animals, a soft-sided nylon tote is ideal. It can be carried looped over your shoulder, and it collapses easily for packing. All of the hinges, clasps, and zippers should be plastic. A blanket made from a material that dries quickly, such as microfleece.Also, add a couple of plastic toys. This will help to keep them calm and provide entertainment when they cannot get out and run around.**Hint: A package of cheap baby wipes are great for quick clean-ups, and they are compact to store.


I know, this sounds like a lot, but in reality, the majority of these supplies (except food, water, and cat litter/box) will fit right inside your pet’s crate and tote/backpack. This makes for easy, compact storage and transportation. All of the smaller items can be zipped into a gallon plastic baggie, which protects them from water and keeps them organized and handy to reach for. You can put this bag right in the crate. Some of the soft-sided containers have large zipper pockets that offer additional storage options for small items and may eliminate the need for a tote bag.


When calculating the amount of stored water your family will need, don’t forget to include additional amounts for your pet according to his size.

See Also:

Best First Aid Kit For Dogs