A SHTF Plan For Your PetsIf you’re a prepper, the thing at the forefront of your mind is keeping yourself and your family safe. You’ve crafted a foolproof SHTF plan, you know where you’ll go and what you’ll take with you.
But does that plan include your pets?
You can be a prepper and a pet lover. There ware ways to help your pet stay alive in emergency situations (and worse), and pets can be as useful in a crisis as they are at home. Dogs especially can make great SHTF companions. They can warn and protect you and your family from attackers, whether it is a human or a dangerous animal. Some dogs can also hunt and track. And of course, dogs and other pets provide great emotional support.
Take a look at the original article here and get started on your pet’s SHTF plan.
Here is a list of items that you should have in your pet emergency kit:
- Food: Make sure that you have at least enough food for one week. Most agencies suggest three days but, as we discovered with Hurricane Katrina, three days is not enough. Bring the food they are use to eating and keep it in a waterproof container. Don’t forget a bowl to feed them in and a manual can opener.
- Water: Be sure to have extra water on hand for your pet. Again, don’t forget a bowl.
- Medicines: Remember to pack up any medications that your pet may need to survive. Always have extra medication in the emergency kit so you don’t forget. Be aware of any medication that may need refrigeration such as insulin and have a plan in place to keep it cool.
- Medical Records: Be sure to always keep your pets medical records together and with the emergency kit. Records such as proof of ownership, pictures of you and your pet together, vaccinations, and rabies tags are vital especially if you have to cross state lines.
- First Aid Kit: Have a separate medical kit for your pets with basic medical supplies. Some of the items that should be in your pet’s medical kit are: bandages, tape, cotton, scissors, flea and tick prevention, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves, saline solution, alcohol, comb, brush and a pet first aid book.
- Pet Carrier or Crate: Make sure that you have a carrier for each of your pets. Be sure that the carrier or crate is big enough to comfortable fit your pet with room to stand and lie down.
- Sanitation Needs: Don’t forget about the other essentials that your pet needs such as: litter box, litter, paper towels, wipes, plastic bags and newspapers. Also include bleach and other disinfectant products.
- Familiar Items: Emergencies and disaster are not only stressful on humans but on your pet as well. Make sure to make plans to include their favorite toys, blankets, and treats."