Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club
Preparing for an Emergency
When the unexpected happens, a little preparation can make all the difference. Wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms, flooding, and other emergencies can happen with little warning. When they do, our dogs depend on us to keep them safe. At Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club (HRKC), we believe emergency preparedness is an important part of responsible dog ownership. The best time to prepare is before one happens.
1. Have an Evacuation Plan
If you had to leave your home in a hurry, would you be ready to take your dog with you? Emergencies can require evacuation with very little notice. Planning ahead can reduce confusion and help you act quickly. Identify pet-friendly accommodations, plan routes, keep ID current, and arrange a backup person. Never leave your dog behind.
2. Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag
Your dog should have an emergency kit ready to grab quickly. Include at least 3-7 days of food and water, bowls, medications with instructions, medical and vaccination records, photos, extra leashes, and basic first aid supplies. Check your kit twice a year to replace expired items.
3. Dog First Aid Kit in Your Car
Accidents happen on hikes or at dog shows. Keep a kit in your vehicle with sterile gauze, wound dressings, Vet Wrap, saline solution, tweezers, and emergency vet contacts. First aid is temporary assistance; always seek professional care for serious conditions like collapse or poisoning.
4. Know How to Shelter at Home
Sometimes staying home is safest. Bring dogs indoors, identify an interior safe room, and keep crates and supplies nearby. Have enough food and sanitation supplies for several days. Provide a familiar blanket or toy to help reduce stress. Monitor local alerts and follow official instructions.
5. Stay Informed
Reliable information is essential. Olympic Peninsula residents can start with Clallam and Jefferson County Emergency Management, Washington State EMD, and Ready.gov/pets. Sign up for local emergency notification systems to receive timely alerts about disasters in your immediate area.
6. Pet Emergency Resources
The American Kennel Club, Red Cross, and AVMA offer comprehensive articles on pet safety. These resources provide practical guidance on emergency supplies, building evacuation plans, and veterinary-approved disaster planning to help ensure the well-being of all family members.
Emergency Supplies & Essential Checklists
Your Dog's Emergency Go-Bag Checklist
☐ At least 3 days of food and drinking water; ideally enough for 7 days
☐ Food and water bowls
☐ Medications and written instructions, with an extra supply when possible
☐ Copies of vaccination records, medical information, and microchip details
☐ Veterinarian's name and contact information
☐ Current photographs of your dog, including one with you
☐ Extra leash, collar or harness, and identification tags
☐ Waste bags and cleaning supplies
☐ Blanket, towel, or familiar bedding
☐ Favorite toy or comfort item
☐ Basic pet first aid supplies
Basic Dog First Aid Kit
☐ Sterile gauze pads and gauze rolls
☐ Nonstick wound dressings
☐ Self-adhering bandage wrap (such as Vet Wrap)
☐ Adhesive medical tape
☐ Saline solution for flushing minor wounds or debris
☐ Blunt-tip scissors
☐ Tweezers and a tick-removal tool
☐ Disposable nitrile gloves
☐ Clean towels
☐ Instant cold pack
☐ Digital thermometer
☐ Emergency contact information for your veterinarian
☐ A spare leash or slip lead
☐ A properly fitted basket muzzle
Reminder: People should keep an emergency go-bag for themselves, too, with essentials such as food, water, medications, identification, and important documents. Keeping human and dog emergency supplies together makes it easier to leave quickly and safely.
Stay Informed and Know Where to Find Help
Olympic Peninsula Resources
Clallam County Emergency Management
Local emergency preparedness information, alerts, and disaster response resources.
Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management
Emergency information and preparedness resources for Jefferson County residents.
State and National Resources
Washington Emergency Management Division
Statewide preparedness guidance and emergency management information.
Ready.gov — Pets
Federal emergency preparedness recommendations for households with pets.
HRKC's Community Preparedness
Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club is committed to helping our community prepare for emergencies that affect dogs and the people who love them.
Our Pet Disaster Relief Trailer Initiative is one part of that commitment. We invite you to learn more about this project and how it is intended to help support pets and their families during emergencies.
Start Preparing Today
Emergency preparedness doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with a few simple steps: identify a safe place to go, gather essential supplies, prepare a small first aid kit, and make sure your dog's identification is current. Talk with family members and neighbors about your plans. Practice loading your dog into the car or crate. Review your supplies periodically.
A few minutes of preparation today could make all the difference when your dog needs you most. Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club is dedicated to responsible dog ownership, community education, and the safety and well-being of dogs throughout our region.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club does not provide veterinary, medical, legal, or professional emergency management advice. The recommendations and checklists are general guidelines and may not be appropriate for every animal or emergency situation. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog's medical needs, first aid procedures, and emergency treatment. Follow instructions from local emergency management officials and first responders during disasters or evacuation orders. Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of external websites or resources linked from this page.