No matter where you live, there’s the possibility you’ll need to evacuate your home quickly. Grabbing your kids and kits is one thing, but corralling the critters can be another matter entirely. It’s important to plan ahead for evacuating your pets. Don’t just leave them behind to fend for themselves.
Pet-Friendly Bug Out Destinations
One of the first steps is determining where you can go with Fido and Fluffy. Talk with family and friends who live within a day’s drive or so of where you live. Ask them about the possibility of crashing on their couch for a day or two if something were to happen in your area.
The fact that you’ll be bringing pets with you should absolutely be part of that conversation. If they’re cool with you staying with them, you’ll want to offer to return the favor if the roles are reversed, of course.
Another option might be motels. If you want to explore that possibility, call around now and find out which ones are pet-friendly. Don’t call the corporate reservation 800 number, though. Reach out to the folks running the front desk at the location you’re planning to stay. Those are the folks who will be making the ultimate decision whether you’re allowed to bring your pets into the room.
Be honest with them in terms of the number and size of your pets. It gains you nothing to lie to them.
Pet Bug Out Supplies
There are a few things you should make sure you have with you when you evacuate with pets. Ask your vet for a copy of the animal’s immunization record. It might be important to be able to prove your pet is up to date on their shots. If your animal takes any sort of prescription medication, be sure to have a short supply ready to go.
Many animals experience digestive issues if there are sudden changes to their diet. Do what you can to minimize this risk by keeping a stash of their normal food with your emergency supplies. Silicone collapsible dishes are great for food and water. They don’t take up much space and are easy to clean.
A favorite toy or treat can help reduce their stress and anxiety. A familiar blanket or pillow can also be good in that regard.
If you have cats, a disposable litter box might be a wise addition, along with a small container of litter. A roll of paper towels, a spray bottle of cleanser, and doggie doo bags are also a wise investment for your canine companions.
Keep all of these supplies stored alongside your own bug-out bags so everything is in one place and easy to grab.
Pet Bug Out Training
If the animal is small enough to be transported in a crate, that’s typically the best option when bugging out. Some locations may require pets to be confined, even if just temporarily. When you’re in a hurry, the last thing you want is to try to catch a dog or cat that doesn’t want to be caught.
If the only time they ever get crated is when they’re going to the vet, they’re going to run and hide the moment they see you bring it out. Get them used to traveling by taking them on short trips around town on a regular basis.
Bugging out is a high-stress situation. But the better prepared you are ahead of time, the easier it’ll be if it happens for real.
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