With the uncertainty of severe weather, such as heavy storms and wildfires, and unplanned events across the world, the UK Government is advising the public to prepare for emergencies with their Be Ready campaign.
This may sound extreme, but with a few simple steps, you can easily prepare your household for an emergency.
The UK Government has put together a helpful checklist for people, featuring all the essentials you’ll need; but it’s important to think about everyone in your household, including your furry friend. Here’s our handy checklist of things to consider for your pet.
Our pet emergency kit checklist
Bottled water
It’s advised that people have a 3-day supply of bottled water in case water services temporarily switch off. You may need to use the water for drinking, as well as cooking or washing. Government guidance advises three litres per person should be enough but think about how much your pet needs too.
Pet food
It’s a good idea to have enough non-perishable pet food with a long shelf life to feed your pet(s) for three days. If your pet’s usual food needs to be kept in a fridge or heated in an oven, consider getting dry or wet food that can be stored at room temperature; there may be no power during the emergency.
And of course, if your pet has a special diet, ensure that you have suitable food ready for them.
Pet medication
Emergency or not, you should always have enough of your pet's medication for at least three days. You never know, there may be supply issues during an emergency too.
If you haven’t already, you could consider creating a pet medication planner to detail when and what your pet needs in case you are away from your pet.
Pet first aid kit
It’s best to have a pet first aid kit to hand for any occasion - accidents or incidents can happen at any time. You can buy a pre-prepared first aid kit for your pet or make one yourself.
In your pet first aid kit, you’ll need:
- Bandages
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Wound wash
- Cotton wool
- Tweezers
- Wound dressing
- Self-adhesive tape
- Dressings
- Gloves
- Foil blanket
- Antiseptic wipes
- A blanket to use as a stretcher
For more advice on first aid for pets, download our free Pet First Aid Guide that will tell you all you need to know.
Somewhere to go to the toilet
There’s no telling what the weather could be like in an emergency, so it’s best to have a place for them to pee and poo if your pet needs to go to the toilet indoors. Consider having enough toilet supplies for three days for your pet, which can include litter, litter trays, hay, straw, puppy pads - whichever is most appropriate and comfortable for your pet.
Items to keep warm or cool
Depending on the type of emergency, it may be useful to have extra blankets, bedding, or cooling mats for your pets to keep them comfortable.
Enrichment
This might not seem important, but it’s a good idea to have pet-safe toys, snuffle mats or slow feeders at the ready for mental and physical stimulation. If you can’t walk your pet or let them outside, playtime and enrichment activities inside keep them active and mentally stimulated.
Keep your pet safe with our handy tips!
An emergency situation may never happen, but if you want to be prepared, consider your pet's needs too. Putting together a bag of essentials will be easier than you think, as you’ll have most of the items at home already. There’s no rush to prepare everything now, but gradually getting an emergency pet kit ready alongside your own essentials may give you peace of mind.
For more advice on looking after your pet, check out our free Pet Health Hub.