Creating an Emergency Vehicle Kit for Your Service Dog: Essentials for 2 Days Away from Home
Emergencies can strike when we least expect them, and being prepared is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry friends. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a sudden evacuation, or finding yourself on the wrong side of a bridge knocked down by a ship, having an emergency travel kit ready for your dog can make all the difference. ANYTHING you purchase on this list, try to purchase a colorful version of it. If you car ends up in a ravine or you end up trapped in a location, the more BRIGHT colored products you have, the more likely you are to be spotted by rescue personnel. Here’s what you need to include to ensure your canine companion is prepared for up to two days away from home:
1. Food and Water:
- Pack at least a two-day supply of your dog’s regular food in a waterproof container or sealed bag.
- Include collapsible food and water bowls for easy storage and use.
- Carry enough water to last for two days, accounting for your dog’s size and hydration needs.
- Enough bottled water for your dog to drink for a week.
2. Medications and Medical Records:
- Bring a supply of any medications your dog may need, along with clear instructions for administration.
- Include copies of your dog’s medical records, vaccination history, and any pertinent health information.
- Pack a first-aid kit tailored to your dog’s needs, including items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescribed medications.
- Carry proof of vaccinations and your dog’s entire medical file on a flash drive for easy access.
- Include Benadryl, CBD oil/treats, anxiety relief solutions like Rescue Remedy or Homeopet’s Anxiety Relief Solution.
3. Comfort and Shelter:
- Pack a familiar blanket or bedding to provide comfort and familiarity during stressful situations.
- Include a lightweight, portable shelter or tent to provide protection from the elements if necessary.
- Bring a few favorite toys or chews to help keep your dog occupied and alleviate anxiety.
- Poo bags for waste disposal.
4. Identification and Contact Information:
- Ensure your dog wears a durable collar with up-to-date identification tags, including your name, phone number, and any other relevant contact information.
- Consider microchipping your dog and registering the chip with your current contact details.
- Keep a recent photo of your dog in your emergency kit to aid in identification if you become separated.
- Emergency contact dog tags that include out-of-area phone numbers.
5. Training and Documentation:
- Include proof of training history, such as receipts for training classes, class graduation certificates, and documentation of passing the canine good citizen test.
- Every hour spent training your dog for service work in a spreadsheet for easy access.
- Include any media features showcasing your dog’s service work, such as newspaper articles, magazine features, or TV programs.
- Service dog laws cards and printouts for reference.
6. Climate-Specific Items:
- Tailor your emergency kit to suit the climate and environmental conditions in your area. This may include items such as a pet-safe sunscreen for sunny climates or a warm coat and booties for cold weather.
- A dog coat to be used in inclement weather or when the power is down.
- Dog bug spray for protection against insects.
7. Sanitation and Grooming Supplies:
- Dog wet wipes and a small bottle of dog shampoo for quick clean-ups.
- Quick drying towel for drying your dog after cleaning or in case of rain.
8. Emergency Camping Supplies:
- Tent with enough room for you and your dog.
- A headlamp or a flashlight. Headlamps are superior because they follow where you head is turning without actually having to hold the light.
- Foldable dog bed or blanket for your dog’s comfort.
- Protection from the sun, such as a tarp, sunshade or mylar blanket.
- Tarp and duct tape for additional shelter and repairs.
- Car door screens for car camping to block out bugs when windows are down.
- Long line dog leash for controlled movement and exploration during camping.
- A lighter to start a fire to cook food
- A Leatherman knife to cut or repair things
By preparing an emergency travel kit for your dog, you can help ensure their safety and well-being during unexpected evacuations or emergencies. Remember to regularly check and update your kit to ensure that all supplies are current and in good condition. With proper preparation and planning, you can provide your canine companion with the care and protection they need to weather any storm.
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