Disaster Preparedness for Pets – Tips for Your Pet Emergency Kit

It was just about this time last year when the floods hit Boulder County and other parts of Colorado. Fortunately for us, our little house in Lafayette stayed safe and dry. Hearing how the floods affected other families though, was heart-breaking and a very real reminder that we do need to be prepared for a disaster, including disaster preparedness for pets.

After doing a little research with the RedCross, the ASPCA and Code3, I compiled this list of items to keep stockpiled in case of an emergency. It took me less than a half hour to get everything together. I encourage you to take some time this weekend to make sure your pet emergency kit is updated too!

The List!

• 3-7 day supply of food (I like The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated food – it’s light and has a long shelf-life)
• at least 2 gallons of water
• 2 feeding dishes (preferably stainless steel)
• extra leash, collar and ID tag (I picked up an inexpensive set from The Happy Beast!)
  • (On Pi’s ID tag I listed her name, our address, my phone number and an emergency contact)
• paper towels and baby wipes
• first aid kit
• medications
• poop bags (or litter and litter box)
• carrier for small dogs or cats
• extra blanket
• all of this information sealed in a ziploc bag:
  • copy of vaccination records
  • your name and phone number
  • vet’s name and contact info
  • two emergency contacts with phone numbers
  • recent photo of your pet
  • directions for any medications, feeding schedule, behavior issues (in case you are displaced and your dog has to be boarded)

Be sure to tailor your kit to your specific needs, I also added:

• 1 week supply of Optagest (probiotics in case of upset tummy or bad drinking water)
• 1 bottle of Ark Natural’s Happy Traveler (herbal calming supplement)
• 1 bag of yummy treats (I picked Sojo’s Simply treats.  They’re freeze-dried, so they’ll last a long time.)
• 1 super fun toy.  (Pi loves treat-dispensing toys, so I picked up an extra Busy Buddy)

Hopefully we won’t be faced with any kind of disaster, but I think it’s important to be prepared just in case.  And it’s nice to have these things on hand for those other kinds of emergencies – like running out of dog food when you can’t get to the store!

Stay safe out there and let us know in the comments what else you’d bring along for your furry friend.