🐾 Pet Prep 101: A Checklist for Survival

Because your fur baby deserves a bug-out bag too.

We prep our homes. We prep our kids. We prep ourselves. But what about the four-legged family members who can’t Google “how to survive an emergency” on their own?

Whether you're a cat mama, dog parent, or running a full-fledged backyard petting zoo, prepping for your pets isn’t optional—it’s essential. Emergencies happen fast, and your animals are counting on you to keep their tails safe.

Here’s how to prep smart—not scary—for the ones who can’t pack their own bags.

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🧳 First, Build Their Go Bag (Yes, Really)

Just like you have your own emergency kit, your pet needs one too. Here's what goes in:

✅ 3 days of food (dry or canned, plus a can opener if needed)
✅ Collapsible bowls for food and water
✅ 72 hours of water (minimum)
✅ Leash, harness, or carrier
✅ Waste bags or litter supplies
✅ Blanket or small bed
✅ Copy of vet records + vaccinations
✅ Extra meds (flea meds, daily prescriptions, calming aids, etc.)
✅ A recent photo of you and your pet (for ID purposes if separated)
✅ Pet first aid kit
✅ Favorite toy or chew (comfort matters!)

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🏠 Shelter Plans (This Is Where People Mess Up)

Too many pet owners assume they’ll just figure it out later. Nope. You need a plan NOW.

🚨 Not all shelters, hotels, or Airbnbs accept pets.
If you’re forced to evacuate, don’t wait until you're in the car to start Googling “pet-friendly hotels near me.” Call in advance. Secure a place early. Book it, confirm it, screenshot it. Be that girl.

Pro tip? Keep a printed list of pet-friendly hotels in your go binder. Don’t count on your phone having service—or battery.

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🔖 Tags, Chips & Tech

📍 Make sure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your current number.
🐶 Microchip your pet and register it.
📱 Consider an AirTag or GPS tracker if you’re on the move often or live in a high-risk area.

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💡 Think About the Little Things

• Cats get stressed fast—keep a towel to cover their carrier.
• Dogs may bolt in chaos—use a secure harness.
• Birds? Reptiles? Rabbits? You’ll need species-specific prep (heat packs, backup cages, water filtration, etc.).

Have extras stored at a backup location (grandma’s house, best friend’s place, etc.).

TIP - Store that Bug out Bag for your pet, inside their carrier (or next to)! That way, it's all in one location and ready to go!

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💬 Final Bark (or Meow)

Pet prepping isn't about fear—it’s about love. You’re the only line of defense between your pet and the chaos of an emergency. Don’t wing it.

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🛑 Before You Do Anything Else...

Download our free 72-Hour Checklist—it's the foundation of smart prepping, whether you're packing for you, your pets, or your whole crew.