When "systems" fall, what's your Plan B? Now is the time to prepare!

How Preppers Can Prepare for Their Pets Before a Disaster Hits

In the world of prepping, we often focus on securing food, water, shelter, and medical supplies for ourselves and our families. But what about our pets? They rely on us every day for their survival, comfort, and safety. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or someone just starting, preppers should prepare their pets for the unexpected, it's crucial to include your pets in your disaster plan.

Cynthia Jordan

10/16/20245 min read

Chihuahua Dog and Siamese Cat
Chihuahua Dog and Siamese Cat

In the world of prepping, we often focus on securing food, water, shelter, and medical supplies for ourselves and our families. But what about our pets? They rely on us every day for their survival, comfort, and safety. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or someone just starting to prepare for the unexpected, it's crucial to include your pets in your disaster plan. After all, they are family too. Preparing for our human needs is important, but ensuring our beloved pets are cared for during a crisis is equally essential.

In this post, we’ll explore how to prep for your pets before disaster strikes, discussing everything from food and water to stress relief and identification.

Know Your Pet’s Needs

The first step in preparing for your pets is understanding their daily needs. Different types of pets—dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or even small mammals—have different requirements. A disaster can disrupt your pet’s routine, so it's crucial to have a solid grasp of their needs to ensure you’re ready for anything.

For dogs and cats, some basic needs include:

  • Food: Dogs and cats need a steady supply of food, and during a disaster, this may become a challenge. Identify long-lasting food options that will stay fresh without refrigeration. Freeze-dried pet food and vacuum-sealed dry kibble can last for years if stored properly.

  • Water: Pets need clean drinking water just like humans. Set aside enough water for your pets as part of your overall water storage plan. A general rule is one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Consider storing enough water for at least two weeks.

  • Medications: If your pet is on any medication, ensure you have a stockpile of their prescription or over-the-counter needs. Speak with your vet about getting a longer supply if possible.

  • Comfort Items: Blankets, toys, and familiar bedding can help keep your pets calm during stressful situations. If your pet has a favorite bed or toy, be sure to pack it in your emergency kit.

  • Hygiene Supplies: For cats, this includes litter and a litter box, while for dogs, disposable waste bags and even puppy pads may come in handy if outdoor trips are limited.

For other types of pets—like birds, reptiles, or small mammals—you’ll need to plan accordingly. Birds will need seed or pellet storage, and reptiles will require a stable heat source, which may become difficult during power outages. Small mammals like rabbits or hamsters may need bedding materials, extra hay, or other specific foods.

Long-Term Pet Food and Water Storage

One of the biggest concerns during a disaster is how to keep your pet fed without access to stores. Many pet foods spoil quickly, especially wet or fresh varieties, so you’ll need to find alternatives that can withstand long-term storage.

Here are some tips for long-term pet food storage:

  1. Freeze-Dried Pet Food: Freeze-dried options are lightweight and have a long shelf life. While more expensive than regular kibble, they are nutrient-dense and easy to store. They also maintain their quality over time without refrigeration.

  2. Vacuum-Sealed Dry Food: Regular dry kibble can be stored for several months, but for long-term storage, vacuum-sealing it in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can extend its lifespan to a year or more.

  3. Canned Pet Food: While canned pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to freeze-dried options, it still offers a decent lifespan of up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place. Canned food can also provide moisture to pets who may not drink as much water in a stressful situation.

  4. Water Storage: As mentioned earlier, set aside enough water for your pets, and consider pet-specific water bowls or collapsible containers that can be easily packed and carried in a bug-out scenario.

It’s important to rotate your pet's food stockpile just as you would your own. Every few months, check expiration dates and replace any items that are approaching their end-of-life to ensure you always have a fresh supply on hand.

Keeping Pets Calm During a Disaster

Pets are incredibly intuitive and often pick up on their owner’s stress during a disaster. A stressed pet can be harder to manage, which is why it’s essential to have a plan for keeping them calm.

  • Toys and Puzzles: Keeping pets occupied with familiar toys or treat-dispensing puzzles can help reduce their anxiety. Having a few new toys on hand that can distract them during a tense situation can be beneficial.

  • Comfort Items: Make sure your pet has access to their favorite blanket, bed, or a piece of clothing that smells like you. These familiar items provide a sense of security.

  • Supplements: Speak to your vet about calming supplements or natural remedies like CBD oil or calming treats that may help reduce your pet’s anxiety. These can be especially useful for pets prone to panic during storms or other loud events.

  • Safe Spaces: Creating a quiet, enclosed space for your pet to retreat to can be helpful. This can be a travel crate, a small room, or even a corner of the house where they feel secure. Having a familiar crate or bed prepared in your emergency kit can also help if evacuation becomes necessary.

Pet Medications and First Aid

Pets, like humans, can have medical needs that require attention during a disaster. It’s vital to have a pet first-aid kit stocked and ready.

  • Medications: If your pet is on any regular medication, talk to your vet about getting a 30- to 90-day supply in advance. Store these medications in a cool, dry place, and ensure they’re part of your rotation so they don’t expire.

  • First Aid Supplies: Your pet’s first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, and any other items you may need to treat minor injuries. There are pre-made pet first aid kits available, or you can build one tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

  • Flea and Tick Prevention: Ensure you have enough flea and tick prevention products for your pets. Disasters can increase your pet’s exposure to pests, especially if evacuation leads to outdoor living or overcrowded shelters.

Identification and Safety Measures

During a disaster, it’s possible for pets to become separated from their owners. To ensure the safety and return of your pet, it’s crucial to have a few safeguards in place:

  • Microchipping: Make sure your pet is microchipped, and that the chip’s registration information is up to date. This is the best way to reunite with a lost pet, as it provides a permanent form of identification.

  • Collars with Tags: Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an updated ID tag that includes their name and your current phone number. If you’re evacuating to a different location, it might also be useful to attach a temporary tag with your evacuation contact information.

  • Pictures of Your Pet: Keep recent photos of your pet on your phone or printed out, so you can show them to shelters or other people if they become lost.

Conclusion

Preparing for a disaster means thinking beyond your own needs and considering the well-being of your pets. Our pets depend on us for their survival and happiness, and they deserve to be included in every aspect of our disaster preparedness plans. By ensuring you have a well-stocked supply of food, water, medications, and comfort items, you’ll help your pets stay safe and calm when the unexpected happens.

Taking the time now to plan and prep for your pets can give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your entire family—even the four-legged members—during a disaster.