Which dog emergency kit fits my dog?
Start with one question. If you had to leave, would you carry your dog out, or walk them out on a leash?
- Bark Out Basic. Food and water with collapsible bowls, sanitation supplies, a first aid kit with a pet first aid guidebook, a reflective emergency blanket, a collar, a leash, a light stick, a signal whistle, and comfort toys. All in a nylon bag at 6 pounds.
- Bark Out Deluxe. Food and water with collapsible bowls, sanitation supplies, a first aid kit with a pet first aid guidebook, a reflective emergency blanket, a collar, a leash, a light stick, a signal whistle, and comfort toys, plus a small dog carrier, a blanket, rope, a dog stake, and extra comfort items for longer stays away from home. 9 pounds.
- GoodBoy Go Bag. Emergency dog food, six 4 oz water pouches, ten water treatment tablets, a food and water bowl, a collar and reflective leash, a tie-out stake, a deluxe first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a body warmer, a bright stick, waste bags, rope, and a dog toy, all in a backpack. There's no carrier, so it suits dogs who walk out on their own.
Carrying your dog out? The Bark Out Deluxe has the carrier. Walking your dog out on a leash? The GoodBoy Go Bag is built for that.
What food does a dog need in an emergency?
Ready.gov, FEMA's preparedness campaign, recommends packing several days' supply of food and water for each pet, with the food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Portions matter more than people expect. An amount that's fine for a large dog can upset a small dog's stomach, and a small dog's portion won't go far for a big one.
The Bark Out's food pouches are portioned for small dogs. The GoodBoy Go Bag's food package isn't labeled with a number of days, so add your dog's regular food, especially for a larger dog.
Several common human foods are toxic to dogs of any size: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol.
An emergency is not the time to make an abrupt change to your dog's diet. Keeping familiar, appropriately portioned food available can make feeding simpler when routines are disrupted.
What should I plan for based on my dog's size?
Small dogs and cold. Smaller dogs can lose body heat more quickly, particularly short-haired, elderly, or very small dogs. A reflective emergency blanket gives you another way to keep them warm when conditions turn cold.
Small dogs and lodging. Many hotels that accept pets set a weight limit, and a small dog is usually under it. Small dogs are also easier to carry and fit comfortably in a carrier.
Larger dogs and lodging. Those same weight limits can rule out a bigger dog. Line up a pet-friendly hotel without a weight limit, a boarding option, or a friend's home outside your area before you need one.
Flat-faced breeds and heat or smoke. Pugs, French Bulldogs, and similar breeds struggle to cool themselves and are affected by smoke sooner than other dogs. Bring them indoors early when air quality drops, and never leave them in a warm car during an evacuation stop.
Noise and unfamiliar places. Familiar toys do real work on a stressed dog over several days, whatever their size.
If you had to leave tonight, do you know where your dog would sleep?
What to add yourself
- Current vaccination records. Some shelters, boarding facilities, and temporary accommodations may ask for them.
- A photo of you with your dog, which proves ownership if you're separated.
- Any medication, with dosing written down.
- Your vet's phone number, written down rather than only in your phone.
Source: Ready.gov, Pets and Animals.
Gus’s tip: Pack their favorite toy. I’m told the squeaky ones matter most. 
