THE DOG BUG OUT GUIDE HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG IN A DISASTER OR EMERGENCY Copywright www.aboblist.com 2015
A Guide to Buying a Ready Made Dog Bug Out Bag Our pets are part of our family. If you share this sentiment, you are not alone. According to a Harris poll, 9 in 10 pet owners consider their pets to be family. This is why we worry about their well being especially when we are away from them for any extended period of time. It s also why I created this Bug out Bag Guide for Dogs. If you re like me and one of more than the 137.2 million pet dog owners in the United States then you ve probably thought about what you might need to do or how you are going to care for your dog in an emergency situation. When it comes to preparing your family dog for an emergency or disaster situation, you have three options for a Dog Survival Kit or bug out Bag. You can buy a ready made Bag, Create your own, or Create a mix using a ready made Bug out Bag especially designed for dogs and then add additional items described in the Dog BOB List below. In creating the TOP Dog ready made BOBs Guide, I utilized the information from the Dog Bug Out Bag (Pet BOB) list to review, calculate and rate the effectiveness and completeness of the ready made Dog Bug out Bags. All of these Items, as well as the Bags, can be found on Amazon in the USA.
The Top Ready Made Dog Bug Out Bag Kits Ultimate Survival Kit for Dogs My Rating: This Ultimate Dog Bug out Bag is one of the most complete and reliable emergency kits for a dog on the market. Deluxe Dog Bug Out Bag My Rating: The Deluxe Dog Bug Out Bag comes with a Pet Carrier plus a complete Survival Kit and is made by Emergency Zone Brand. Small Dog Evacuation Kit My Rating: The Ready America 77150 Small Dog Evacuation Kit is a good mid range choice for dog owners.
Dog Bug Out bag Check List Using the Dog BOB list below in combination with the Dog Bug Out Buying Guide, you will be able to effectively supplement emergency supplies that might be missing in your selected ready made bag and purchase these additional items along with your Amazon order. I used highly authoritative governmental and educational sites to compile a well documented and researched Dog Bug Out Bag (Dog BOB) List. This expert list gives you all of the up to date and most suggested items, supplies and gear to collect and assemble in a pet rolling backpack or dog backpack. For those who prefer to purchase a ready made bag, the list offers you those items you may want to add or supplement your bag thus making it a more effective and complete bag. Our pets are part of our family. If you share this sentiment, you are not alone. According to a Harris poll, 9 in 10 pet owners consider their pets to be family. This is why we worry about their well being especially when we are away from them for any extended period of time. It s also why I created thisbug out Bag Guide for Dogs. If you re like me and one of more than the 137.2 million pet dog owners in the United States then you ve probably thought about what you might need to do or how you are going to care for your dog in an emergency situation. When it comes to preparing your family dog for an emergency or disaster situation, you have three options for a Dog Survival Kit or bug out Bag. You can buy a ready made Bag, Create your own, or Create a mix using a ready made Bug out Bag especially designed for dogs and then add additional items described in the Dog BOB List below.
Additional Resources for Dogs Since pet transport and protection is something most pet owners will want to consider, I have provided a link to a good list of the best carry and harness products for dogs here. These can also be purchased individually on Amazon. Like you, I also consider my dog to be an important family member. In fact, my toy poodle brings great joy to my children and pleasure to my wife. I know it would be extremely difficult for us if something unfortunate was to happen to him. I am certain many of you feel the same way about your pet as we do. Many of us however sometimes take our pets for granted and fail to plan for their needs during an unexpected crisis or natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina is a good example of owners failing to prepare to protect their pets. Although over 15,000 pets were rescued with 3,000 of them reunited with their families, tens of thousands were killed or left homeless. For the most part, it is an unintentional and innocent oversight on our part that places our beloved pet(s) in harm's way. Luckily, this type of mindset can be corrected. Use the Dog BOB Guide and a Dog BOB Survivor and Prepper List below as your means of caring for the welfare of your family dog during a disaster or crisis situation.
Pet Disaster Plan Although assembling a Pet BOB is a very important move, a comprehensive pet disaster plan is needed to assure your pet's safety. Therefore, I provide a pet emergency preparedness plan that I formulated using all of the authoritative source documents used in developing my Pet BOB list. I summarize the main points and important suggestions mentioned by these sources which I furnish below. From all the literature I have researched, there are recommended measures and steps one should take to secure the safety of your pet(s). All of the following suggestions are from the experts, not from my one personal advice. So you know that the information is valid, useful and ready to use to put it into action plan that best fits your family situation. Phase 1: Planning Ahead Before Disaster Strikes It is important to set up an effective emergency preparedness plan to secure the safety of your family and pet way before a potential dangerous disaster occurs. 1. Secure and Keep Important Pet Documents/Photos Collect all important pet photo, ownership papers, pertinent medical documentation and the phone numbers of current animal healthcare providers and other family and friends (so they can be contacted just in case). Make one copy of these papers to place in your Pet BOB and another in an area of high visibility. Therefore, if you get separated from your pet, someone can find your pet records and make arrangements to return your pet as soon as the immediate crisis is resolved.
2. Obtain A Rescue Sticker Important to have ready are rescue stickers to adhere to your front door or window. Have a sticker for each one of your pets with their name and animal types you own (and where your pet is kept) in case evacuating your pet is not an option. Keep these stickers handy so it can be placed by you or other family member in a designated area easily seen by rescue crews. If you are able to leave with your pet, It is advised to place an Evacuated sticker in a highly visible spot so rescue workers do not waste time looking for your pets. Request rescue stickers from ASPCA. You should not leave your pet behind in an emergency situation if at all possible. However, there may be circumstances where you may not have the ability to take your pets with you. So make sure to arrange with neighbors to keep your pets safe. Provide keys, instructions, location of important documents and a letter absolving your neighbors of any responsibility should your pet cause harm. 3. Arranging for Sheltering Your Pet Be aware if you decide to go to a safe disaster shelter, your pet (unless it is a service animal with appropriate proof) may not be allowed to enter. Therefore, alternative shelter options should be made in advance to secure a spot for your pet(s). Make sure to make contact with these facilities or arrangement as soon as possible. Do not take for granted that these options will be available to your pet especially if the time of the crisis event is near.
It would be wise to find pet shelters along various routes in case you must detour to avoid dangerous conditions. Identify hotels and motels that accommodate your pets. Some pet friendly hotels can be found at Bring Fido, Dog Friendly and Trips with Pets. And as previously mentioned, call as far ahead as possible to secure a spot! If cost is an issue, discuss other possible pet shelter options with your veterinarian, kennels and local animal shelter facilities. Also approach other family members and friends the possibility to keep your pets with them in their home or provide a safe pet dwelling. It is extremely essential to prepare for any disaster event that may come your way in advance. You want to have all the essential preparations for two kinds of circumstances, where staying put at your current location is the best option or evacuating to a safer planned destination becomes necessary. Besides your Dog BOB, you and your love ones should prepare Bug Out Bags in anticipation that you will be required to leave your home. Please refer to my article for a more comprehensive explanation on hope to successfully assemble one for each of your family members. As discussed, you need to assemble or purchase a complete Pet BOB. Of course you have the list above to guide you in knowing all of the first aid essentials as mentioned by the experts throughout the documents I used in creating this list. Remember to keep your pet s first aid items separate from yours. There are supplies that may be only appropriate for humans and not your particular pet. Also have your BOB s along with your pet s in a handy but secure place in your home. Keep in mind to replace expired medicines and supplies as needed.
Phase 2: Approaching and During the Disaster During this period, it is extremely important to keep informed to developments regarding a possible disaster scenario. Have a family discussion on possible responses to these threats and set up a timeline with deadlines to take appropriate action. Make sure to contact those service providers and people you will need ahead of time before a mad rush by others prevent you from obtaining their assistance. 1. Securing an Appropriate Caregiver Although you may want to take your pet with you, it may not be possible. You need to locate a temporary caregiver in case this occurs. It is essential you trust this individual. The person you select should be one who lives close to your residence and preferably available during the day. Extra keys and access to important pet documents should be arranged in advance. Review beforehand any medications and other pertinent information so proper care and treatment is given. Discuss possible scenarios where your designated caregiver might be expected to secure your pets and keep them for safe keeping until you can get to them. 2. Evacuate Bugging Out In the event you are forced to leave your residence, make sure to safely secure all items you cannot take with you. Shut down and turn off all unnecessary home appliances and electronic or mechanical devices. Have ready all emergency preparedness supplies, Family Bug Out Bags and Pet Bug Out Bags. Account for all pets, secure them in a safe place and keep them calm during this period. When departing, transport pets by leash, in carriers, cage (bird) or pillowcase (snakes).
3. Staying Put Bugging In It may make sense for you and your family to stay put during a crisis. A minimum of a three day supply of emergency food and water (fill up water in a tub and cover with plastic) and emergency preparedness items for you and your pets should be stored in a dry and safe location in your house. Determine which place in your house is the safest. This room should be clear as possible of hazards, windows, flying debris and is easy to clean. If during the crisis the surrounding becomes a bit unnerving, you might want to crate you pets for safety and comfort. Make sure to keep your family Bug Out Bags ready to go just in case the situation changes where you will need to evacuate. For additional readings on Bugging In, read Best Bug Out Book Choices.
Phase 3: Post Disaster Be ready and alert to possible extreme conditions, damage and debris in and around your surroundings due to the disaster. Also be aware that area might have experience changes noticeable by you, family members and pets. This may negatively impact their mental state of being. Adjustment for your family and pets to these new realities may be necessary. 1. Keeping Pet Safe and Sound When you return home, keep your pets safe in your home or inside a secure area. Do not allow your pets to roam freely. Familiar landmarks and smells may have changed confusing your pet. If your pet s behavior becomes unusual and persists for days, you may need to visit your vet. Survey the area and safely remove with thick gloves any debris, sharp objects, dangerous materials, lost and loose animals, downed power lines and contaminated water. Be safe from roaming animals. They may carry any one of the following disease that can be past to humans; rabies, ringworm and leptospirosis. Make sure to give your pets all necessary treatment against heartworm, ticks and fleas. Keep your pets away from stray animals. And keep your pet clean and wash their bedding regularly. Although there is much to consider, ultimately you will need to make all the necessary decisions and arrangements that best fits your family and pet(s) needs. Hopefully all your planning and collecting of needed emergency preparedness items and supplies will keep you, your family and pets from harm s way.