We love our pets and want the best for them. During an extreme event such as fire or flood, you may need to evacuate the family to safety. What about your pets? You are going to want to keep them safe too right? While we often prepare for our own evacuation, we often forget to prepare for our pets until the last minute. Here are some simple things you can do to get your pet ready to evacuate ahead of time as well as what they will need in their bug out bag.
1. Socialise your pet – this is very important in an evacuation situation but if you wait till then its already to late. The last thing you need is a snarling animal in an evacuation.
2. Set up a buddy for your pet. In the event that you are not around or able to get to your pet when things go pear shaped, make sure that a neighbour or close friend can access your pet and bring them to safety.
3. Identify places that you can take your pet if needed. Make a list of numbers and contacts for vets, shelters etc.
4. Teach your animal to comfortable in vehicles appropriate for their transport.
5. Ensure your pet’s bug out bag is packed and stored somewhere accessible.
6. Identification – your pet needs to have a collar or other type of identification in the event they become separated from you. Always have your contact details plus that of their local veterinary clinic on the tags.
So what do we need in the bag? This will vary a little based on the type of pet but in basic terms, the following list will assist.
1. Food – Obviously your pet is going to need to eat, so make sure you have a spare pack of food for them. Don’t forget a pair of collapsible bowls for feeding and watering.
2. Water – a small pet such as a small cat or dog, guinea pig, etc will not need a lot of water in the bag but aim to have 2 – 5 Litres of water available depending on the size of the animal. Don’t forget some kind of drinking bowl or container to put the water in for the animal to drink from.
3. A lead is extremely useful for dogs and cats, some birds can also be lead trained.
4. Your list of contacts for veterinary clinics, animal shelters and hostels.
5. A favourite toy for your animal – this will assist the animal to know that things are normal.
6. Carry all – It is often a good idea for smaller animals but larger dogs, for example, may need a seatbelt restraint to keep them safe during transport. Dogs can also be trained to carry their items in a special saddlebag as pictured above.
7. A bed or blanket that they are familiar with. If your animal normally sleeps in kennel introduce a blanket for them to sleep on. After a few days replace the blanket with another and place it in the bug out bag. This will smell familiar to them when it is needed.
8. A picture of you and your pet together is very handy if you become separated from your pet. Keep one in the bug out bag.
9. Sanitary Bags – Your pet will need to use the bathroom so make sure you provide a way to clean up after them.
10. A small first aid kit suitable for your pet should it be injured is very important. Check with your local animal hospital as to what supplies are best suited to your pet.
11. Medications – if your pet is on regular medication ensure you have an extra supply in the bug out bag.
Above all else make sure your pet is well socialised and used to short trips. This will make your evacuation experience with your pet much more comfortable for everyone.
My hope is that you will never need to use the bug out bag for your pet but if you do I am sure you will agree having something ready to go when the time comes will make the whole process easier for all.
