Travel tales
Just In Case
A Pet Emergency Plan
If you’re like us, you believe that having a plan—and being prepared for emergencies—can sometimes help keep the universe from getting too chaotic. When it comes to our dogs, though, nothing is ever quite that simple. Each one comes with their own personality, routines, and very strong opinions about how things should be done.
Our female, for example, has the most neurotic eating habits—something we unknowingly helped create along the way. It’s a gentle reminder that our pets are shaped by the lives we build with them. That’s why it’s so important that anyone who may care for your pets, whether temporarily or permanently, understands their quirks as much as their needs.
We hope the list that follows inspires you to take the time to prepare a thoughtfully curated future for your pets—one filled with familiarity, comfort, and love, no matter who’s holding the leash.
1. Choose a Primary (Long Term) + Backup Guardian (Immediate/Short Term)
Pick at least two people who:
- Know your pets
- Are comfortable handling them
- Are willing to take them, per your agreement
Do this part out loud:
Have an actual conversation. Make sure they understand:
- How many pets
- Any medical or behavioral needs
- Whether this is temporary or permanent care
Finn and Zeal
2. Put It in Writing (Not Just Your Will)
A will alone is often too slow in emergencies.
Create a Pet Emergency Care Document that includes:
- Pets names, breeds, ages, microchip numbers
- Feeding routine
- Vet info
- Medications
- Crate instructions (this is huge for safe transfer)
- Names/contact info for guardians
Keep copies:
- In your glove box
- With the crates
- Digitally (phone + cloud)
- With your chosen guardians
3. Make Your Pets Easy to Identify & Transfer
First responders need clarity fast.
Must-haves:
- Microchips registered with current info
- ID tags that say “Pets inside vehicle”
- A laminated card on or inside the crate:
“In case of emergency, please contact:
[Name] – [Phone]”
If you use crash-tested crates (👏), that’s already a huge win—pets are more likely to survive and remain contained safely.
Gunner Dog Kennels.
We believe our dogs would survive a serious crash. The harder question was what would happen after—how first responders or others would safely access and take our dogs if we didn’t survive. That realization changed everything for us. For more ideas on how to set up a plan for your pets, see “Just In Case, A Pet Emergency Plan”
4. Set Aside Emergency Funds for Their Care
Even a small amount helps remove hesitation for a guardian.
Include:
- Leave written permission for guardians to access funds for food/vet care
- Preferred vet
- Authorization to make medical decisions
5. Add a Wallet & Phone Alert
This step is often overlooked and incredibly important.
- Carry a wallet card:
“I have pets at home/in my vehicle.
Emergency contact: ___”
- Add an ICE contact (In Case of Emergency) in your phone labeled:
“ICE – Pet Guardian”
First responders do check this.
Finn and Zeal
6. Prepare a “Go Folder”
Think of it like a diaper bag—but for emergencies.
Include:
- Location of Collar + leash
- Food instructions
- Vet records
- Medication
- Behavioral notes (“nervous with strangers,” “crate-trained,” etc.)
Store it:
- In your vehicle
- Or attached to the crates
Just In Case
A Pet Emergency Plan
If you’re like us, you believe that having a plan—and being prepared for emergencies—can sometimes help keep the universe from getting too chaotic. When it comes to our dogs, though, nothing is ever quite that simple. Each one comes with their own personality, routines, and very strong opinions about how things should be done.
Our female, for example, has the most neurotic eating habits—something we unknowingly helped create along the way. It’s a gentle reminder that our pets are shaped by the lives we build with them. That’s why it’s so important that anyone who may care for your pets, whether temporarily or permanently, understands their quirks as much as their needs.
We hope the list that follows inspires you to take the time to prepare a thoughtfully curated future for your pets—one filled with familiarity, comfort, and love, no matter who’s holding the leash. 🐾 PET EMERGENCY CARE PLAN
- Choose a Primary (Long Term) + Backup Guardian (Immediate/Short Term)
Pick at least two people who:
- Know your pets
- Are comfortable handling them
- Are willing to take them, per your agreement
Do this part out loud:
Have an actual conversation. Make sure they understand:
- How many pets
- Any medical or behavioral needs
- Whether this is temporary or permanent care
- Put It in Writing (Not Just Your Will)
A will alone is often too slow in emergencies.
Create a Pet Emergency Care Document that includes:
- Pets names, breeds, ages, microchip numbers
- Feeding routine
- Vet info
- Medications
- Crate instructions (this is huge for safe transfer)
- Names/contact info for guardians
Keep copies:
- In your glove box
- With the crates
- Digitally (phone + cloud)
- With your chosen guardians
- Make Your Pets Easy to Identify & Transfer
First responders need clarity fast.
Must-haves:
- Microchips registered with current info
- ID tags that say “Pets inside vehicle”
- A laminated card on or inside the crate:
“In case of emergency, please contact:
[Name] – [Phone]”
If you use crash-tested crates (👏), that’s already a huge win—pets are more likely to survive and remain contained safely.
- Set Aside Emergency Funds for Their Care
Even a small amount helps remove hesitation for a guardian.
Include:
- Leave written permission for guardians to access funds for food/vet care
- Preferred vet
- Authorization to make medical decisions
- Add a Wallet & Phone Alert
This step is often overlooked and incredibly important.
- Carry a wallet card:
“I have pets at home/in my vehicle.
Emergency contact: ___”
- Add an ICE contact (In Case of Emergency) in your phone labeled:
“ICE – Pet Guardian”
First responders do check this.
Gunner Dog Kennels
We believe our dogs would survive a serious crash. The harder question was what would happen after—how first responders or others would safely access and take our dogs if we didn’t survive. That realization changed everything for us. For more ideas on how to set up a plan for your pets, see “Just In Case, A Pet Emergency Plan”
- Prepare a “Go Folder”
Think of it like a diaper bag—but for emergencies.
Include:
- Location of Collar + leash
- Food instructions
- Vet records
- Medication
- Behavioral notes (“nervous with strangers,” “crate-trained,” etc.)
Store it:
- In your vehicle
- Or attached to the crates
- Revisit the Plan Yearly
Life changes. People move. Pets age.
Set a yearly reminder to:
- Confirm guardians are still willing
- Update contact info
- Update medical needs
- Tell People the Plan Exists
This sounds obvious, but it matters.
Make sure:
- Family knows you have a pet emergency plan
- Guardians know where documents are
- Anyone who travels with you knows what to do
The Big Picture
You’re not being morbid—you’re being loving and prepared.
Most people plan for stuff.
Very few plan for the living beings who depend on them completely.
Your pets don’t need perfection.
They need clarity, safety, and someone who knows they belong somewhere—no matter what.
We hope the list that follows inspires you to take the time to prepare a thoughtfully curated future for your pets—one filled with familiarity, comfort, and love, no matter who’s holding the leash.
Prepare for every Type of Adventure.
A Medical Emergency can occur anywhere and at any time in the great outdoors. A wilderness first aid (WFA) course prepares you to best handle the situation
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