Don’t forget to prepare for your animals! They will be hungry, thirsty, and upset with a sudden change of environment, so make sure you have what’s necessary to keep them comfortable in an emergency. If you’ve got animals, reptiles, or other types of pets that aren’t dogs and/or cats, you’ll need to consider their needs when planning a 72-hour kit for them. For dogs and/or cat needs, considering adding these items to a backpack or other container:
- Water/food dish
- Photo of the dog (to be circulated in case they get separated from you)
- Complete medical records
- Chip ID information
- Leash/harness/collar
- Sweater
- Toys
- Blanket
- Brush/comb
- Cat or Dog food (enough for at least three days)
- Water (enough for at least three days)
- Pet First Aid Book
- Vet wrap 2″ and 4″/trauma pad
- Gauze bandage rolls (2″, 4″, and 6″)
- Adhesive tape
- Tweezers/scissors/surgical soap
- Thermometer/mineral oil
- Disinfectant solution
- Styptic powder/cornstarch
- Benadryl/triple antibiotic ointment
- Eyewash
- Saline
- Medication, 5-day supply
- Tick-Flea Meds
- Paper towels/plastic bags/zip-lock bags
- Dog and/or cat carrier(s)
- Cat litter box/litter
****Remember the Red Cross will NOT accept our pets; they only allow service animals to assist people at the Red Cross Centers.
Printable: FSM 72-hour kit pets
I’m hoping to make some of these kits for my local shelter, do you know where I could get these products for cheap?
Hi Emma, I love your idea of making the 72-hour kits for the local shelter! The price on everything has gone sky high! I wonder if you could start with some local stores for donations or the local dollar stores in your area? Great idea! Linda
Hi Linda,
Just read this article and understand all the items listed for a 72 hour kit for your pets, EXCEPT for one.
Why would you need to include “cornstarch” in this kit??
Just curious.
Thanks,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, cornstarch will help with itching on a dog’s skin. Cornstarch will also repel fleas, and you can use it as a dry shampoo and then comb it out of their hair. Linda
Corn starch can also be used to stop bleeding if a pet rips a toenail. You just take a pinch and pack it into the nail bed. It works in a pinch.
Hi Linda thanks for your quick response and the information you provided. That info was about things I was not aware of, and I always appreciate learning something new. Again thank you.
I would try calling the companies that make the things you would need for them. They may donate things for. They also make sample bags of dog food and maybe cat food as well.
Go to thrift stores and pick up some blankets. Even if they are king size. You can cut them down.
Hi Sue, these are great tips for filling our pet 72-hour kits! Great ideas! Thank you, Linda