In a world plagued by increasing conflict, widespread illness, natural disasters, and political unrest, the popularity of prepping is growing. A rapidly increasing community of people are preparing themselves and their families for an emergency. But here’s a big question – what would you do with your pet during a disaster?
Whether your chosen companion is a dog, cat, chinchilla, rabbit or parrot, beloved pets deserve a place in your emergency contingency plan, which is why we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to prepping with pets.
1. Train your pets for emergency situations
Every owner wants their pet to listen to them, but in a disaster, this is crucial. Basic training for your pet is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency. After all, trust and obedience could save their life – and yours!
The most important commands to teach your pet include:
- Come
- Stay
- Heel
- Fetch
- Drop
- Speak
- Quiet
Obviously, these commands won’t apply to every pet out there; although they can be trained to an extent, rabbits, the fifth most common UK pet, don’t have any need for a “speak” and “quiet” prompt.
Dogs and cats are the top two most commonly owned pets in UK households and are therefore the most obvious candidates for training. This is a relatively simple task – even for stubborn felines – and can be extremely beneficial not only during a disaster but in everyday life too.
2. Prepare your survival essentials
Stockpiling for your pet is similar to stockpiling for yourself. Start with the basics go from there.
You should aim to store enough food and water to last your pet a week or more, concentrating on dried or tinned food and bottled water. If your pet takes supplements or medications, see if you can get your hands on additional supplies that have a longer shelf life. The same applies to treats – these are important to ease stress and offer a sense of normalcy in uncertain times.
Your pet’s survival kit should also include basic first aid items, containing flea and tick treatments, bandages, antiseptic spray or wipes, painkillers, antibiotics, tick removers, and cold and heat packs. It’s worth speaking to your vet to identify any additional items that your pet might need. We stock medical kits for dogs from leading brand Adventure Medical Kits that come with all the essentials you need.
Finally, don’t forget about the other everyday items:
- Pet carrier
- Food and water bowls
- First aid kits
- Lead and collar or harness - with tags
- Bedding (blankets and towels)
- Toys or entertainment
- Grooming items
- Cleaning and sanitation supplies, such as litter, sawdust, and puppy pads
3. Put together your pet’s bug out bag
For those new to prepping, a “bug-out bag” is condensed version of your longer-term survival essentials - a kit containing everything you might need to survive for at least 72 hours. The contents of this bag will, of course, vary depending on your pet, but some of the common essentials include:
- Pet carrier
- Tinned or dried food
- Bottled water or water carrier
- Lead and collar or harness - with tags
- Collapsible or stacking food and water bowls
- Blanket and towel
- Essential medical supplies
- Toy
- Relevant documentation, but more on that later
A bug out bag is something that every member of your family should have packed – including your furry and feathered companions – and can prove invaluable during a quick getaway.
4. Create an evacuation plan
In the face of an emergency, many pet owners are forced to choose between taking their pet, or leaving them behind. It’s a heart-breaking situation that is sadly becoming commonplace as natural disasters continue to rise.
If you’re able to take your pet with you, make sure they’re included in your evacuation plan. Here are some key considerations:
- Have you allocated space for your pet and their supplies in your chosen vehicle?
- Have you gathered their survival essentials or bug out bag?
- Have you made a list of pet-friendly hotels for emergency shelter?
If you can’t bring your pet with you, make a list of safe places – friends, family, neighbours, rescue centres, kennels, etc. – that might be able to take in your pet during an emergency.
Abandoning your pet should always be a last resort, but if you are forced to leave them behind, do your best to offer them the greatest chance of survival. Leave them with a large source of food and clean water, and avoid tethering them or locking them in.
5. Read up on pet first aid
All owners should be prepared to act quickly and effectively if needed, which is why we’d recommend detailed research into proper first aid techniques for your pet. There are several resources available to learn pet first aid, including breed-specific first aid courses both online and in person.
It’s important to note that pet first aid should never be a substitute for professional veterinary care. However, even basic knowledge of first aid could save their life during a disaster.
6. Double-check your documents
Sadly, during an emergency, it’s not always possible to take your pet with you, or you could become separated. Rescue organisations work tirelessly to reunite animals and their owners during crises, but opportunities are often missed because of outdated details, which is why it’s so important to have up-to-date information to hand.
This documentation should include:
- Your pet’s name, age, and breed
- Your contact information
- A recent photo of your pet
- Medical and vaccination history
- Up to date microchip information
This type of documentation is just as important as your own and should be kept safe in a waterproof wallet or case that is clearly labelled and identifiable.
Why are pets important in a survival situation?
- Companionship and emotional support – Having a pet by your side during a disaster can help to reduce stress and anxiety, ease loneliness, provide motivation, and promote survival.
- Security and early detection – Heightened senses mean that pets can act as an early warning system, often detecting danger and disturbances well before we can.
- Shared body heat – As with other humans, you may be able to huddle with your pet to stay warm and reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Ready to start prepping for your family? Why not explore Preppers Shop to check out the wide variety of prepping supplies?
Alternatively, get in touch to speak to one of our experts for some helpful advice.