A packed bag is not the same as a ready bag. This worksheet turns a two-week target into food, water and medicine-unit counts, then shows the first action date created by supply runway or an expiring item. It is a count-and-calendar tool—not veterinary dosing advice.
Emergency go-bag review planner
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a two-week supply of food and water for each pet in a disaster kit, plus medicines, records, identification, a leash or harness, a carrier and first-aid supplies. Ready.gov likewise tells pet owners to include pets in the family emergency plan. Those are planning prompts—not a guarantee that one standard kit fits every dog or event.
Calculate quantities and the earliest review action
Use the units you actually buy: cups, cans, bottles, packets or prescribed doses. The calculator does not save, send or notify. Medicine fields count only the dose already written by your veterinarian; never change a dose here.
Enter the label or veterinarian-prescribed schedule only. Ask your veterinarian or pharmacist about refills, storage and emergency supply rules.
Fictional worked example: a 14-day target, 2 food units and 2 water units per day, plus 1 already-prescribed medicine unit per day, creates targets of 28, 28 and 14 units. If the bag holds 20, 18 and 10, the shortages are 8, 10 and 4. The calculator deliberately keeps price out: availability and replacement timing come before a shopping total.
What belongs in the count—and what needs a yes/no check
| Kit line | Record this | Decision trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Daily unit, units packed, opening/expiry date | Short of target, packaging damaged or routine diet changed |
| Water | Daily unit, sealed amount and rotation date | Short of target or container compromised |
| Medicine | Prescribed units, label, storage instructions, prescriber/pharmacy contact | Any shortage, storage doubt or refill question: contact the professional |
| Records | Owner contact, veterinarian, vaccination/medical summary, current photo | Contact, medication, microchip or health information changed |
| Movement | Carrier, leash/harness, route and two meeting points | Dog no longer fits, equipment damaged or destination rejects pets |
A 12-minute physical review
- Minute 0–2: name the scenario. Decide whether the bag is for leaving home, sheltering in place, handing care to someone else, or all three. A carrier stored elsewhere is not available for a rapid departure.
- Minute 2–5: count sealed supplies. Use the calculator with the same unit written on the package. Do not mix “cans” and “cups” in one number.
- Minute 5–7: find the earliest date. Check food, medicines, batteries and copies of time-sensitive records. Write one replacement lead time that reflects how long the hardest item usually takes to obtain.
- Minute 7–9: test fit without forcing. Confirm the leash/harness and carrier are intact and appropriately sized. For carrier fit and ventilation questions, use the carrier fit and safety checklist.
- Minute 9–11: read the contact card aloud. Confirm two reachable people, your veterinarian and an out-of-area contact. Remove old phone numbers rather than crossing them out repeatedly.
- Minute 11–12: set the next review. Use the earliest real action date, not a vague “check later.” Place it in the calendar system you already use; this page does not send reminders.
The documents pocket
Keep copies protected from water and accessible to the person who may actually move the dog. Include identifying photos of you with your dog, veterinarian and emergency contacts, key medical information, and proof of ownership or registration where relevant. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and destination; a disaster checklist does not replace travel-entry rules. For planned travel, move to the booking, documents and safety worksheet.
Decision table: buy, rotate, confirm or ask
| Result | Next action |
|---|---|
| Food/water short, normal product available | Add the exact missing units, label the rotation date, and avoid opening the emergency stock first. |
| Medicine short or storage uncertain | Contact the prescribing veterinarian/pharmacy. Do not use the calculator to change dose or substitute a product. |
| Dated item will expire before replacement can arrive | Start replacement now and rotate the older usable item into normal use when appropriate. |
| Carrier/leash no longer fits or is damaged | Stop treating it as ready; measure, repair or replace before the next drill. |
| Contacts and destination unconfirmed | Call or message the people/location through your normal channel and record the confirmed date. |
Official references and limits
- CDC: Make a preparedness kit for pets — the source for the two-week food/water planning target and the categories used here.
- Ready.gov: Pets and animals — family emergency planning, identification and evacuation preparation.
- CDC: Pet safety in emergencies — preparation before, during and after an emergency.
This planner cannot judge your dog’s medical needs, a product’s condition, local evacuation orders or whether a shelter accepts animals. Follow current local emergency instructions and your veterinarian’s directions. Recheck official guidance because recommendations and local rules can change.