How To Make A Go Bag For Your Dog

Keeping your pet healthy involves more than nutritious food, exercise, and routine vet care. It also means being prepared for the unexpected. And, if there is one lesson the past few years have shown, it’s that the unexpected can happen at any time.

You never know when you’ll have some sort of emergency that will require you to quickly leave your home with your pet. And, if and when you do, it’s best to be prepared ahead of time so that you don’t forget anything important.

Anything from a fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or even a health emergency of a family member can result in you suddenly having to pack up your dog and take off.

Since May 8th was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, it’s the perfect time to think about what your pet will need in an emergency. One of the easiest ways to be prepared is by making a ‘go bag’ for your pets.

A ‘go bag’ is a portable kit that you can grab and go in an emergency or if you need to leave home unexpectedly with your dog. A go bag will help ease your mind and help you keep your dog safe in an emergency.

So, what should you keep in your dog’s go bag? That answer will vary depending on where you live and what natural disasters you might one day face. But here are some ideas to help you get started on your dog’s go bag:

Leash, collar, or harness

An extra leash and collar are great to keep in your go bag in case you unexpectedly have to leave home and forget to grab them when you load your dog in the car. Be sure there are tags on the collar with your contact information.

Waste disposal bags

Poop bags and a few extra plastic grocery bags are great to keep in your go bag. Waste disposal bags can also be used to store unused food and other items.

Toys/comfort items

Keep a soothing toy or other comfort items, such as a soft blanket, in your bag to help keep your dog more comfortable and entertained.

Familiar food and treats

The last thing you want to do is have to feed your dog unfamiliar food so keep a week’s supply of food in your dog’s go bag. Since dog food loses its freshness after opening, always store it in an airtight, waterproof container. It will help to write the date on your food and rotate it out of your bag every month. You can also consider buying a small 5-pound bag of food to keep on hand for emergencies. If you feed wet, those are easier to store but heavier. Don’t store your food in an area of your home that gets hot, such as the garage. If you know where you’re going with your dog, you can also order food to be delivered to that address once you get there.

Water

Small bottles are the most practical to store in a bag but don’t last long so it’s helpful to keep a couple of gallons on hand. Like food, water needs to be rotated out and can be stored in a place near your bag, so it’s not forgotten.

Medications

If your dog is on medication, be sure you never run out, so you always have some on hand for your go bag. Some people will tell you to make a pill box but it’s better to keep medication in the original containers so that you have the exact medication, dosage, and directions with you in an emergency. If you prefer to use a pill box, keep the bottles on hand in case you need them.

First aid kit

A basic first aid kit is important for your go bag. You can buy a prepared kit or make one yourself. At minimum, your kit should contain gauze, vet wrap, bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic for cleaning wounds, antibiotic ointment, Benadryl, Pepcid, and an antidiarrheal medication.

Supplements

If your dog takes supplements, add those to your go bag and rotate them out with your food and water.

Food and water dish

Your dog will need food and water dishes and a measuring cup.

Wet wipes

Wet wipes are handy to wipe out used dishes, when cleaning up pet messes, and to wipe your hands on. They have tons of uses and are a must for your go bag.

Medical and vaccination records

It is helpful to keep a copy of pertinent medical records and vaccination records in the bag in case they need to be seen by an unfamiliar vet. Be sure to keep your vet’s contact information in your go bag in case you can’t access your phone.

Special need items

If your dog has special needs, like they wear socks or have to be muzzled at times, be sure you have a set of those items in your go bag. If your dog wears shoes, an extra pair to protect paws is also a good idea.

Microchip

Consider microchipping your dog in case of an emergency. It’s one of the easiest ways to be reunited with your pet. Be sure to keep your dog’s microchip information updated and provide an alternate contact.

Towel

A large towel is another item that is great for your bag. You can dry off your dog, clean up messes, or even help protect your car. It’s a super handy item to have on hand if you need it.

Grooming supplies

An extra brush is a great idea because it can help you rid your dog of dirt and debris if they need it as well as keep shedding down while you stay in a place other than your home.

Current photo

Keep a copy of a current photo in a waterproof bag in case you become separated from your dog and don’t have access to your phone.

List of pet-friendly places

If you live in an area where you have an evacuation route, such as where there are hurricanes, keep a list of facilities in your phone and bag because you never know if your phone will die, or service will be disrupted.

Directions

In case someone else ends up caring for your dog, write down directions to help them. Include health problems, medications, mealtimes, amounts to feed, medication directions, special needs, allergies, potty habits, and anything else you can think of that might be important.

Go bag

When you choose your bag, consider how you will carry it. You might be better off with a small rolling suitcase than an actual tote bag. Or may prefer a backpack. A water-resistant bag is more practical and will help you keep your dog’s goods clean and dry. A bag with waterproof compartments or buying waterproof/spill proof containers for the bag is a good idea. There are many options and even assembled kits available for purchase.

We hope that you found these ideas helpful and that you never use your go bag (unless you take off on a surprise vacation). But if you do, we hope it gives you peace of mind that you have everything you need to keep your pup healthy and happy.

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