72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit for Your Pet

Give yourself some peace of mind now and during possible emergencies by having everything you or someone else will need to take care of your pet in a ready-to-grab bag. You may need to evacuate your home with little warning in a fire or natural disaster or be forced to place your pet in the care of an inexperienced person because of accident or illness. Your pet’s survival kit should be pre-packed in a bag that is easy to carry (with handle or shoulder strap), or a backpack your dog can carry himself should you have your hands full. Keep this kit near the door, so you won’t need to go out of your way to get it.

Here are some suggestions for basic things to put in your pet’s kit:

1. At least 3 individually packed meals. These meals should be non-perishable. If you use canned food, buy ones with pull-open lids or be sure to include a can opener in the kit. You can also put in unopened bags of dry food or biscuits, but be sure to put in a large clip to keep the bag shut after opening. Drs. Foster and Smith offers healthy canned and dry foods that would be a good option. Check your kit regularly to make sure insects have not invaded the food and replace with fresh food now and then.
2. Bottled water. Buy sealed bottles of drinking water. Bottles filled at home contain bacteria that will multiply in the container and may reach levels that make your pet ill.
3. Dishes. Disposable plastic lidded containers are ideal for food and water. You can cover leftovers and won’t have to worry about washing dishes. Buy 4 or more. They can be stacked compactly when empty.
4. Medications your pet requires. Include labels and prescription information in case you or your pet’s caretaker need to consult a vet who doesn’t know your pet.
5. Instructions for the care of your pet. Write down basic information as well as your pet’s special needs in case you need to leave him with someone who has little or no experience with animals. Innocent mistakes can be fatal to pets. Be sure to include a list of toxic foods that your pet cannot have.
6. Contact information for your vet and maybe include the phone numbers and addresses of several other vets in your area.
7. A blanket and toy if your dog is used to having these things.
8. Extra set of leash, collar or harness. Even if your cat or dog does not usually use these items, it is extremely important that you do not risk losing you pet during an emergency. Cats are especially prone to panicking and hiding from their owners and should be kept on harness and leash. Do not use a choke chain or training collar as your emergency collar. You may need to tie your pet and he can be fatally strangled by a choke collar even if unattended for only a few minutes.
9. Extra identification. Have a second ID tag engraved with your name and contact information to have on hand in case your pet loses his original one. You can also buy plastic tags (with safety reflectors) into which you insert contact information.
10. Contact information for yourself and a few close friends and/or relatives who can take over the care of your pet should it become necessary.

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Optional items (depending on your pet or the area you live in):

1. A dog sweater or coat for small dogs, puppies, hairless cat and dog breeds, and senior pets. You never know if you may have to stay outdoors for prolonged periods or in a place without proper heating.
2. Shoes. Your dog may need to walk on rough, hot, or cold surfaces for uncomfortably long periods. Shoes also prevent your dog from picking up chemicals and substances that can make him seriously ill if he licks his feet.
3. Night visibility vests, collars, and leashes. These are reflective garments for the safety of your pet in poor visibility conditions or at roadsides. You can also see him better the dark.
4. Pee pads. If your pet is used to using these or you think you may be stranded somewhere without proper means of poop disposal, you will all be more comfortable if you have some pads. Cats will also use these if you lay them inside a litter box or dish pan and they are much tidier than cat litter.
5. Life-vests. If you live in a flood area or near water, one may save your dog’s life.
6. Electronic remote training collars. You can buy collars that relay your dog’s location to a hand-held transmitter. Avoid losing your dog and call him with the push of a button. Some training may be required.
7. First aid kit. Buy a specialized kit from a pet catalog or assemble your own in a Tupperware container. Don’t use plastic bags because they may be punctured and the contents dirtied. Some things to include may be bandages, medical tape, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide (can be used on wounds and also to induce vomiting), and topical lotion such as aloe vera. More information on Hydrogen Peroxide at the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
8. Flea and tick treatment. Your pet may become infested by exposure to other pets or environmental conditions different from your home. Do not use any kind of treatment that may make your pet ill when you do not have easy access to a vet. Frontline and Advantage are common effective methods. Consult your vet about potential adverse effects.
9. Homeopathic pills to ease anxiety and stress. Buy these from a reputable supplier of pet care products. An overly anxious pet can be a danger to himself and others. You will also weather an emergency more easily if you do not have to struggle with your pet the entire time.
10. Money. You might not be sorry to have a little wad of cash in a pinch.

Do not pack cumbersome items such as play pens and beds. You may end up having to leave them behind somewhere.

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72-Hour Emergency Pet Survival Kit Checklist

Do not pack cumbersome items such as play pens and beds.

Feel free to print a copy of our 72-Hour Pet Emergency Survival Kit Checklist for your personal use.

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Tags: dog, Pet Care Articles, pet health, pet safety