Just as people need an emergency kit, pets do too. In case you don’t have one, here’s how to build your own human emergency kit. Now, let’s prepare a grab-and-go bag for your pet in case you both need to evacuate.

What to pack in your pet’s ‘grab and go’ bag

Find a good backpack that can carry:

• Pet food – have two to four weeks’ worth of non-perishable pet food in a sealed container
• Bottled water
• Collapsible bowls to make feeding and hydration easy
• Leash and harness
• ID tag with your up-to-date phone number
• Cleanup items – Waste bags for dogs. Cat litter box, litter, scoop and garbage bags for cats.
• Medications – If your pet takes medication, pack it in a labelled container. Remember: medications can expire, so check and keep them updated.

You can find many of these items at:

• 72HOURS.ca which offers comprehensive pet emergency preparedness kits and first aid supplies
• Canadian Safety Supplies which has pet first aid kits
• St. John Ambulance which offers a dedicated pet first aid kit to help you treat small to medium-sized wounds
• PetSmart Canada – your one-stop shop for pet food, travel bowls, leashes, ID tags and emergency supplies at convenient locations across the province. BCAA Members earn 4% in CAA® Dollars.

Keep pets calm and carry on

Emergencies are stressful for everyone – but they can be equally stressful for pets. Bring their favourite blanket or toy to help keep them calm. A pet carrier is essential for smaller animals (kittens or puppies) or pets that might panic in an unfamiliar environment. If your pet leans towards being anxious, a calming spray, calming chews or pheromone-infused wipes can help keep them calmer.

Here are Canadian suppliers that will ship to you:

• PetSmart Canada offers calming products, like the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care Powdered Dog Calming Probiotic. BCAA Members earn 4% in CAA® Dollars.
• Open Farm has calming supplement chews formulated to promote relaxation and reduce anxiousness in dogs.
• Homes Alive Pets sells natural dog calming treats to help ease anxiety in stressful situations.
• Well.ca has a range of products designed for anxious dogs, including calming biscuits and treats.

Pack your pet’s important documents

Get copies of your pet’s vaccination records (get this from your vet), emergency phone numbers and a recent photo of your pet and store them in a watertight plastic sleeve or laminated sheet. If your pet gets lost, this information will be really helpful. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of nearby pet-friendly accommodations in case of evacuation. Here’s where to find dog-friendly accommodations in Canada. And keep a list of emergency pet clinics and vets in your area.

Prepare by practicing

We recommend you practice evacuating with your pet to help you both understand and adjust to what to do and where to go. Try short trips with their carrier or harness so they’ll feel comfortable in a real emergency. For more tips on evacuating with pets, you can download and print the SPCA's emergency evacuation checklist.

Protect their health (and help keep yourself calm)

Preparing your pet’s emergency grab-and-go bag means that your furry companion can be ready for anything. That’s why we recommend protecting your pet all year round. Ensure your pet is covered no matter what comes your way with BCAA Pet Insurance. It’s offered through BCAA's partnership with Pets Plus Us. BCAA Members save 13.5% - that’s up to $120/year!*. Get a quote today!.

^{*BCAA Member savings average of $120/year is based on Accident and Illness plans with a 13.5% discount applied. BCAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off. Non-members receive a preferred rate of 9% off.}

^{All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. This advertisement is an outline only; policy terms and conditions 'User Guide' will prevail. For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides.}

^{Pet insurance is sold and administered (including with respect to claims) by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. (PTZ), a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by Northbridge Insurance (Northbridge). The insurance transaction is between the customer and Northbridge. B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd., dba BCAA Insurance Agency, receives commissions from PTZ for referrals of potential customers for pet insurance. PTZ receives fees and commissions from Northbridge for sales and administration of pet insurance.}