Pet Survival Kits

Pet survival kits should be a part of the disaster preparation solutions for all pet lovers. Many people who own pets never really give thought to what they need to do to ensure the safety of their pets in case of a disaster. However, just like us humans, it is important that plans are in place to ensure that we can care for our pets in all kinds of situations.

If you have a family, it is a good idea to assign someone the responsibility to take the dog’s bug-out gear if you need to leave home for safety reasons. This person will ensure that anything having to do with evacuating safely with pets in tow and the supplies necessary for their upkeep is in order.

Choosing Pet Survival Kits

Even with pets, one size does not fit all and some of our animal friends will have special needs. It is important to take this into consideration when buying or putting together this package.  Many stores that sell disaster preparedness items are now carrying readymade kits for animals as they know how important our pets are to us.

These readymade solutions mean that pet owners have a number of options to choose from. One online outfit, 1-800-prepare.com has a number of such prepackaged gears just for the animal members of your family. They have a 63-piece pet first aid pack as well as special supplies for cats and dogs that are ideal for times of disaster. The first aid kit includes essential items such as:

• Foot bandages
  
• Splints to set broken bones
  
• Tongue depressors
  
• Antiseptic ointments
  
• Splinter removers and tweezers
  

The quantity of items must of course be sufficient for the number of pets you own. Water is especially important if you live in areas where it can become very hot. Dehydration is just as deadly for animals as it is for human beings. You should also ensure that you have good identification tags for all the animals you own. This should always be on the animal’s collar, and you must check periodically to make sure that it is secure and will not fall off.

All good pet survival kits will include an information sheet about the animals. This sheet will include the pet or pets’ name, contact information of the owner, and the vet’s name. This makes it easier for owner and animal to be reunited in the event they get separated during a disaster. Keeping a few good photographs in the kit (of you and the pet) is also a good move and will be useful in helping other people find you, as they'll now know what you look like.

Pet Emergency Kit Contents

Some items to include in this essential piece of gear are:

• Food supplies for at least 72 hours
  
• Water for at least 72 hours
  
• Container for the animal to drink from and this can also serve as a feeding bowl
  
• Leashes and muzzles
  
• Towels and blankets
  
• A carrying case for those animals that you will physically carry for whatever reason
  
• A favorite toy
  
• Medication for animals that have medical conditions
  
• A first aid manual or guide specific to animals is also necessary
  

Keep the Kit Updated

It is necessary to check the contents of all pet survival kits at least twice a year. You need to ensure that medication and even food and water are not beyond the expiration date. If you use items from the supplies occasionally, you will need to restock them.

Important Info to Include

It is also important to keep a list of all hotels in your area that allow animals. This is necessary as many emergency centers will not allow you to take your pet with you. A list of animal shelters is also important in case you will need to leave your four-footed family member in a shelter after a disaster strikes.

Having your pet survival kits in a constant state of readiness is just as important as having your family’s bug-out gear ready so you can move quickly and stay safe. You need to do everything in your power to ensure that you will not need to leave this member of your family behind in the event of a disaster.

This particular pet may be your guard dog and therefore important to your safety during a time of crisis. Also some pets can carry their own medical or survival kits depending on how big the pet is. Pet coats with pockets provide an easy way for them to take the strain. Or if your specific pet is a horse, they can carry much of YOUR kit or indeed all of it.

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