CANADIAN DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM

Disaster Preparedness Shopping List for Dogs

Are you prepared to take care of your dog when a disaster strikes? If not, NOW is the time to stock up on the items that you will need so you will not get caught unprepared. Listed below is a handy shopping list for you to use. The next time you buy food or supplies for your dog, take this list with you. Don't put off doing what you should do now — it may just make the difference between being able to keep your dog alive when a disaster strikes.

SHOPPING FOR YOUR DOG

Here are the supplies that you should have in a Disaster Kit for dogs. Adjust the amounts, depending on the number of dogs that you have.         

1.      FOOD:

Always have a reserve supply of the type of food your dog is used to eating that would last two weeks.

If your dog eats canned food, buy cans small enough to be used at one feeding since you may not have a way to properly refrigerate any leftover food. Buy pop top cans if you can since you may not have access to a can opener (you should include a can opener in your kit, just in case).

Store food in an airtight, waterproof container and clearly mark all your containers with your personal info.

Rotate food at least once every three (3) months.

Include with your disaster supplies an extra feeding dish, just in case the one normally used is lost.

Include with your disaster supplies a spoon to scoop and/or mix food.

          2.      WATER:

Have enough drinking water to last at least two weeks for each dog in your household.

Store water in a cool, dark location, and be sure to rotate it so it remains fresh.

Remember that if the tap water is not suitable for humans to drink, it is also not suitable for animals to drink.

Include with your disaster supplies, an extra water dish, just in case the one normally used is lost.

          3.      SANITATION:

Have a pooper scooper and bags in your disaster supplies for picking up after your dog and disposal.

          4.      CLEANING SUPPLIES:

Include in your kit, a small container of soap for washing out your dog's food/water dishes.

Include in your kit, paper towels for drying dishes and other clean up.

If you will be housing your dog in a crate, include in your kit a disinfectant that can be used for cleaning.

          5.      COLLAR AND TAG:

A proper fitting collar and an identification tag should be kept on your dog at all times and an extra collar and id tag kept in your disaster kit in case the permanent ones get lost (do not keep a choke collar on a doh all the time as your dog may accidentally get it caught on something and choke to death).

On your spare id tag, write your temporary address/phone number and attach to collar.

Keep a proper fitting dog harness and at least a 6 foot long leash with your kit to be used when you walk your dog—this is a stressful time for dogs, too, and frightened dogs can slip out of a collar but not a harness.

          6.      FIRST AID KIT:

Check with your veterinarian to find out what is recommended to be included in your First Aid Kit.

Some suggested items include:

a)     First Aid Book for Dogs
b)     Conforming Bandage (3" x 5")
c)     Absorbent Gauze Pads (4" x 4")
d)     Absorbent Gauze Roll (3" x 3')
e)     Cotton Tipped Applicators (1 small box/bag)
f)     Antiseptic Wipes (1 package)
g)     Emollient Cream (1 container)
h)     Tweezers and Scissors
i)     Instant Cold Pack
j)     Latex Disposable Gloves (several pair)

Be sure to have a proper fitting muzzle in your First Aid Kit, as an injured animal, no matter how friendly they normally are, has a tendency to bite when they are in pain.

7.      MEDICATIONS:

If your dog is on long term medication, always have on hand at least a two week supply since your vet may not be available to open right away to refill a prescription.

Check with your vet to see if your clinic has a Disaster Plan. If not, familiarize yourself with the Disaster Animal Response Team headquarters and procedures just in case your dog needs medical attention during a disaster.

Keep copies of your dog's medical records, including records of vaccinations in your disaster kit. It is important that you keep your dog current on the Bordatella vaccination which protects dogs from kennel cough, just in case you may have to board your dog temporarily following a disaster.

8.      TEMPORARILY CONFINING YOUR DOG:

You may wish to purchase a plastic airline crate or a wire collapsible crate to transport your dog should you, have to evacuate and/or to keep your dog confined following a disaster. Be sure the crate is large enough for your dog to lie down comfortably and allow room for a food and water dish. Remember that fences and walls can come down during a disaster, making it easier for a dog to escape and get lost.

You may wish to purchase a metal stake that screws into the ground, with a place to fasten a dog chain. Be sure if you stake your dog out to provide protection from the hot sun, extreme cold, snow, rain. A dog house should be placed in reach to protect the dog. It is also important when you stake out a dog that you do not leave him/her somewhere where aggressive animals might be able to harm him/her.

9.      PICTURES:

You should have in your disaster kit, some current photos of your dog to use in case your dog gets lost during the disaster. Include yourself in some of the photos in case you have to prove ownership. 

If you would like more information about being prepared during a disaster or becoming a trained disaster volunteer for animals or if you want someone to speak to a group regarding the Disaster Animal Response Team during a disaster, please contact:

Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team
Box 235 - 113-437 Martin Street
Penticton, BC V2A 5L1Phone: 250.494.5057
Email: critteraid@vip.net