The Puppy Palace – Emergency “Go Kits” for Pets

I often refer to my house as “Puppy Palace” since we have 4 dogs and 2 cats.  Our pets are part of our family, and we take pride in the physical and psychological rehabilitation work we have done with our rescues.

All of our rescues now are small dogs; my 2 Chihuahua mixes and the terrier mix are all less than 10 lbs, and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about 20 lbs. However I have been a large breed owner in the past (a wonderful Great Dane/Pit Bull 80 pound lap dog.)

Having that many pets takes a fair amount of coordination when it comes to emergency planning for them.  The dogs and cats have their own emergency kits, and since they are smaller; I’m able to fit most everything in one duffle bag for them all.

 A pet “Go Bag” should include:

Dogs:

• Vaccination records (for each)
• Copies of their licensing/Tag number
• Any microchip information
• Leashes for each and extra leashes and collars/harnesses
• Medications (such as insulin, flea and other parasite control)
• Photo of your pets for identification
• Roll of plastic sacks (for waste disposal)
• A week of food for each (My dogs usually east moist food, I have put a few cans of food in the kit since they store better, and a few pouches of the moist food so it dosen’t upset their tummy as much.)  And treats.
• Bowls for food and water
• Water for 7 days for each pet.  (I’ve included this in the family water stock)
• Crates – preferably one crate for each (I have two large crates and can pair the pooches up, and they both fit in the car.)  When not in use, the crates make a perfect storage area for the rest of the emergency kit.
• Blankets
• Toys
• Pet first aid kit

 Cats:

• Crates- one for each
• Vaccination records
• Microchip information
• Photo of your pet
• Food and water for a week
• Litter and trays (foil roasting pans are perfect) or all inclusive disposable scoopable litter trays
• Roll of plastic sacks
• Medications and parasite control (including fleas)
• Blankets and pillow cases
• Bowls
• Pet first aid kit

Crates when not in use are the perfect spot to store the pets’ go bags.

Include your pets in your emergency safety drills.  This will help get both you and them familiar with the crates and how to best keep them calm.  It’s one thing to try to contain Chihuahuas;  it’s another to try to it with a Mastiff.

Image of Daisy Mae courtesy of Gina
 
Gina @twnstar2
Founding Contributor of 2BeeReady.org