Prepping with Pets: Food, First Aid, and Evac Plans
In any emergency, our pets rely on us completely — not just for comfort, but for survival. Whether you’ve got a loyal dog, an independent cat, or a flock of backyard chickens, prepping with pets means thinking ahead so they stay safe, fed, and healthy no matter what happens.
🐾 Food and Water Preparedness
Plan at least a two-week supply of pet food and drinking water. Store dry kibble in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers or mylar bags to extend shelf life. For canned food, rotate stock regularly and mark expiration dates clearly. Don’t forget a manual can opener and collapsible food bowls for travel kits.
Pets need clean water just as much as humans. A good rule of thumb: one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, doubled during heat or stress. Store extra and consider small water filters or purification tablets safe for animal use.
🐕 Bug-Out Kits for Pets
If you need to evacuate, every pet should have a “Go Bag” ready. Include:
- 3–5 days of food and water
- Collar with ID tag and microchip records
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Pet first-aid kit (see below)
- Comfort item — blanket or toy to reduce stress
- Recent photo (for identification if separated)
- Sanitation supplies — poop bags, litter, disinfectant wipes
Label each bag with your name, your pet’s name, and contact info. If you have multiple animals, use color-coded tags or bags for quick sorting.
🩹 Pet First Aid and Health
A basic pet first-aid kit can save lives. Include sterile gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, digital thermometer, hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting only under veterinary direction), styptic powder, and saline rinse. Add any medications your pet takes regularly, plus vaccination and veterinary records in a waterproof pouch.
Consider training in basic animal first aid through your vet, the Red Cross, or online animal care courses. In a crisis, you may be your pet’s only medical support.
| Provider | Course | Format / Length | Key Topics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | Cat & Dog First Aid Online | Self-paced online · ~35 minutes | Vital signs; breathing & cardiac emergencies; wounds/bleeding; seizures; preventative care | Enroll |
| Pro Pet Hero (by ProTrainings) | Pet First Aid & CPR: Individuals | Self-paced video course · ~1 hr 39 min video + quizzes | CPR; choking; bleeding control; heat stroke; bandaging; recognition of early warning signs | View details |
| Pet Sitters International | Pet First Aid & CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals | Online modules | First aid foundations; CPCR; emergency response until veterinary care; professional best practices | Enroll |
| International Open Academy | Pet First Aid & CPR Course | Self-paced online | First-aid equipment; assessing patients; safe handling; cleaning & bandaging wounds; when to induce vomiting | Enroll |
| Canadian Red Cross | First Aid for Dogs and Cats | Online course | Choking; seizures; CPR basics; emergency recognition and response; prevention | Enroll |
🚗 Evacuation and Shelter Plans
Know where you can take your pets ahead of time. Not all shelters accept animals, so identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding kennels, or family/friends willing to help. Keep carrier and leash handy, and never leave pets behind during wildfire, flood, or chemical emergency — even “just for a few hours.”
If you must shelter in place, create a secure indoor area with ventilation, bedding, and access to food and water. Cats often feel safest in a quiet enclosed room; dogs do better when close to their family.
🐔 Beyond Cats and Dogs
Farm and backyard animals require planning too. Store feed in sealed bins, maintain clean water troughs, and prepare portable enclosures or trailers for evacuation. If you must release livestock to flee danger, mark them with phone numbers or ear tags to aid recovery later.
💡 Final Thoughts
Our pets give us loyalty, joy, and comfort — and they deserve the same in return. When emergencies strike, those who’ve prepped for their animals are better positioned to respond calmly and compassionately. Preparing for them means preparing for peace of mind.
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