Don’t Forget the Pets: Build a Go-Bag for Every Family Member |
National Preparedness Month is a good reminder to make sure dogs, cats, and other household pets have the food, medications, records, and supplies they may need during an evacuation. |
September is National Preparedness Month, a good reminder to make sure every member of the household is included in your emergency plan — including the furry, feathered and scaled ones.
If you ever need to evacuate quickly because of a wildfire, earthquake or other emergency, having pet supplies packed in advance can save valuable time and reduce stress. A pet go-bag should include basics such as food, water, medications, identification, vaccination records, a leash or harness, a secure carrier, waste or cleanup supplies, and a familiar comfort item. Cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles and other household pets may also need species-specific supplies such as litter, bedding, travel cages or temperature-control items.
It’s also smart to choose a trusted backup person who could evacuate your pets if you aren’t home and to identify pet-friendly places you could stay.
We created a simple Pet Go-Bag Checklist to make getting started easier.
Download the checklist, customize it for your pets, and keep it with their carriers or other evacuation supplies so it’s ready when you need it. |
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We have a backup person too, like you suggested. Found out the hard way last winter when we got stuck at work and couldn’t get home.
Don’t forget to rotate out the pet food now and then. I checked ours and it had expired!
What do folks use for reptile heating on the go? That part always worries me if we have to leave suddenly.
The checklist makes this way less overwhelming, thanks. I printed it for my mom too.
Honestly, I feel like this should be talked about more. My neighbor had to leave fast during the fires and almost forgot their cat.
I made a go-bag for my dogs last year, but I didn't think to include their medical records. Good tip!
Glad you mentioned birds! Our parrot needs special food and gets stressed in the car, so having her things ready helps a lot.