Dog Bug Out Bag Guide: Complete Checklist & Best Bags

We all want to be prepared to take care of our loved ones in an emergency situation. But what if your loved one has four paws, fur, and puppy dog eyes?

Most dog owners wouldn’t dream of abandoning man’s best friend, whether they need to evacuate for a natural disaster, societal collapse, zombies, or the next big pandemic. 

We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about bugging out with your best bud, so you’ll both be ready when the proverbial dog poop hits the fan.

Best Dog Backpacks

Dog bug-out bags (also known as K9 bug-out bags or go-bags) should fill the same needs that your bug-out bag does: food, water, medicine, comfort, and important paperwork. No matter what bag you use, it also should fit your dog well for their safety and give you enough space to pack all their supplies.

Bugging out with a canine buddy requires extra supplies than simply evacuating solo. Because Fido’s supplies require more space and add extra weight to your bug-out gear, it’s just common sense to make him do his part.

1. RUFFWEAR 

The RUFFWEAR Palisades Dog Pack makes a perfect 72-hour bag. It even comes with two one-liter collapsible hydration bladders and features a cross-load compression system to help evenly distribute the weight of that water. 

It features padded support straps to keep Fido comfortable and comes with spacious compartments. Another cool feature is the padded handle and non-slip girth straps — a handy feature that allows you to lift Fido by the handle to clear obstacles.

For half the price of the Palisades, you can outfit Fido with the RUFFWEAR Approach Dog Pack.

This model is closer to the pack we use for my dog. It has roomy compartments and convenient quick-access stash pockets, and it’s made of lightweight nylon fabric. 

2. Kurgo

Kurgo is another company that makes simple, durable hiking packs for dogs.

Their Baxter Hiking Backpack has convenient detachable saddlebags that are super roomy and allow you to adjust the carry height to fit your dog’s build.

3. Outward Hound

The Outward Hound focuses on all things canine, not just outdoor gear. Outward’s Hound Daypack makes a suitable no-frills 24-hour canine bug-out bag. 

For an extended bug-out scenario, the company’s Crest Stone Explore Pack is the better option. It has more comfort features for Fido, like compression saddlebags and adjustable webbed straps. 

Both models come in super vibrant colors, so be prepared to be seen.

4. OneTigris

This company makes some awesome, highly durable dog packs with a more tactical look and feel.

The compartments may not be quite as roomy as some of the hiking brands, but when it comes to durability, these guys know a thing or two.

The OneTigris Mammoth Dog Pack gets high marks from both dogs and their owners. This model has two side pouches, each with cross bungee cords for water bottles or extra gear.

It also features loop panels for cool morale patches and a breathable mesh lining to help keep Fido cool and comfortable.

If you want to go completely customizable, the OneTigris Tactical Harness is a MOLLE dog vest that comes with three detachable pouches.

You can also purchase extra pouches for extra gear; just make sure the weight is evenly distributed to both sides of the vest to prevent fatigue or injury. 

Dog Bug Out Bag Checklist

What should you put in Fido’s bug-out bag? That depends.

While basics need to be covered, specific supplies or products are a highly personal decision.

We go waaaaay into this in our Bug Out Bag Item List article.

That said, here is a packing list to get you started. Ultimately, you know your dog much better than we do, so feel free to customize the list as you see fit. 

Water

The average canine will drink between 1 to 2 ounces of water for each pound of body weight per day. Plan on needing at least a half-gallon of water daily for the standard golden retriever. 

Although Fido might not mind lapping water from the nearest mud puddle or mountain stream, dogs are just as susceptible to dangerous waterborne pathogens as humans.

It’s a smart idea to pack some water purification tablets for both of you.

You may also want to add a collapsible dog bowl to Fido’s pack. Or you can always share your own. We won’t judge you.  

Food and Dog Treats

Keeping Fido on his standard, everyday kibble when you bug out can help prevent uncomfortable digestive issues. 

Skip the canned dog food. It’s too heavy to be practical.

Since dogs can burn up to twice as many calories on the trail as they do lounging around the living room, you may need to ration some extra dog food to meet Fido’s needs. 

You can also slip some high-calorie treats into Fido’s bug-out bag.

Although these are designed to help undernourished dogs gain weight, they can provide some extra calories for physically demanding bug-out situations.

If you’re concerned about keeping the weight of Fido’s pack manageable, freeze-dried kibble packs a ton of calories and nutrition per pound.

Fido can eat it straight out of the bag, or you can mix it with water if he prefers a more palatable texture. 

First Aid

First aid supplies are an essential element of any bug-out bag, whether for canine or human use.

Although most of the supplies you have in your IFAK can be used for Fido, it’s still a smart idea for him to have his own. As a bonus, you can use Fido’s IFAK as a backup for humans in your group. 

At the very least, Fido needs his own “boo-boo” kit with band-aids, alcohol wipes, and antibiotic cream. 

Here are a few other items Fido should consider keeping in his first aid kit.

• Blood clotting agent: Because dogs are smaller than humans, a serious injury can cause them to bleed out fast.
• Trail Tweezers: These are handy for pulling ticks as well as splinters. 
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This antihistamine is a must for allergic reactions to insect bites or bee stings and can be used by both you and Fido. 
• Electrolyte tablets: Fido is susceptible to dehydration, too.
• Sulfadene: This doggie ointment is perfect for treating abrasions or chafing caused by Fido’s bug-out bag. It’s also safe to use on humans!
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Although hydrogen peroxide is best known for cleaning wounds, it can also be used to induce vomiting. It could literally be a lifesaver if Fido ingests something poisonous. 

Any prescription medication your dog may need (including heartworm preventative and monthly flea and tick treatment).

Be sure to pack a copy of Fido’s vet records and vaccinations. The paperwork won’t take up much space and could be valuable if you need to group up with other humans and/or dogs. 

If you can find one, take a canine first aid course BEFORE you and Fido wind up in an emergency situation when you can’t just dial up the vet if he becomes sick or injured.

Knowledge is power, and knowing how to deal with canine injuries and illnesses is a valuable skill set to have in a bug-out situation. 

For your own booboos…check out our Best IFAK (Individual First Aid Kits) article.

Miscellaneous Items 

Now that we have the basics, here are some other things to consider packing in Fido’s bug-out bag.

Back-up collar and leash: Although you should choose sturdy designs for your dog’s primary leash and collar, you should pack spares in case they break. A second leash could also be handy if you need some extra length for tethering. 

Dog Brush: Even if you have a short-haired dog, a brush can come in handy for removing burrs and caked-on dirt. 

Dog booties: These non-slip dog shoes help protect your pooch’s paws from cold ice, extreme heat, or sharp, rocky terrain.

Poop bags: Poop bags may seem like something you only need when you take Fido to an urban dog park. However, you never know what you may encounter during the apocalypse.

If you don’t need them to scoop poop, these versatile little plastic bags have plenty of other uses. 

Muzzle: Even if Fido is a gentle soul, stressful situations often bring out the worst in people AND animals. Not only may Fido need to wear a muzzle if you encounter other people, but it could also be helpful if he is injured.

A dog in pain is more likely to bite, and you don’t want Fido to chomp on you while you are stitching up a gash.

Towels: Although any towel will do, microfiber towels don’t weigh much and are perfect for drying a wet dog. 

Doggie clothes: Not all breeds will need a jacket, and certainly not in hot weather. However, sometimes even our furry friends need an extra layer of insulation.

Comfort items: Fido’s favorite toy or a familiar blanket could be just the thing he needs to calm him in a stressful situation. 

Also, don’t underestimate the value of a sturdy chew toy.

For dogs, chewing alleviates anxiety. It also helps keep their teeth clean. Chew toys are particularly important for puppies who are still cutting teeth. 

Finding the Right Bag & Fit

An ergonomic design, balanced weight distribution, quality stitching, reinforced areas, and smooth zippers are all key features for any bug-out bag, whether intended for canine or human use. 

Many saddlebags are made from waterproof fabric to help protect Fido from the elements.

Some tactical versions come with MOLLE strips, so Fido can look as tacticool as you. Plus, you can attach and detach utility pouches and other gear and swap them between your bag and his. 

Since Fido may need to spend considerable time wearing his bug-out bag, finding the proper fit is key to keeping him comfortable. 

While chest circumference is the best way to size your canine pack, the only way to be certain it will fit is to have Fido try it on for size. 

To try on your pup’s new pack, first, position the empty pack on his back. Once in place, fasten the straps around and across the chest, and then adjust the straps until you get a comfortable fit. 

The straps on Fido’s pack should be loose enough to be comfortable yet tight enough to keep the pack in place.

A pack that is too loose will rub as Fido moves and could cause painful chafing. If his bug-out bag is too tight, it could be difficult for Fido to breathe.

Why Your Dog Needs a Bug-Out Bag

While I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed for zombies (please let them be the Walking Dead kind and NOT the World War Z variety), the reality is far less exciting.

Unfortunately, we are much more likely to need a bug-out bag for quick evacuation due to a natural disaster than we are for the zombie apocalypse (or even a Red Dawn-style Russian/North Korean invasion). 

Leaving Fido at home to fend for himself in the face of a wildfire, hurricane, tornado, volcanic eruption, or swarming zombie horde isn’t a good idea, even if you think you’ll just come back for him in a few days.

Our dogs are completely reliant on us to keep them safe, healthy, and fed. It’s the price they paid when that first wolf ancestor cozied up to the fire with early humans, and both decided domestication was a fine idea. 

It’s not a bad arrangement for either of us, really. Fido gets a warm place to sleep, belly rubs galore, and the occasional bite of your sandwich. We get undying loyalty and faithful companionship. 

Don’t tell Fido, but we totally got the sweeter end of the deal.

Hard Lessons from Actual Disasters

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, more than 60,000 pets were killed or stranded. As harsh winds, rain, and rising tides barreled down on Louisiana, many people evacuated, leaving their pets behind. 

Most thought they would be able to return after the storm passed over. However, Katrina’s storm surge caused several breaches in crucial flood protection structures. As a result, more than 80 percent of the city ended up underwater — for two and a half weeks.

Many of the abandoned animals were locked in their homes, waiting for their owners to come home. If they were somehow able to survive drowning, they got the consolation prize of a prolonged death due to dehydration and starvation. 

The moral of the story is this: disaster situations are unpredictable. You never know what conditions could develop that would prevent you from returning home.  

Leaving your dog to face a long and painful death alone is both cruel and irresponsible. The responsible and humane thing to do is take Fido with you if you need to bug-out. 

Not to mention, dogs offer several benefits in a survival situation:

• Companionship
• Warmth
• Security/defense
• Stress relief

Dog Training for Bugging Out

Strapping a new pack on your pooch’s back without any warning could cause him some stress. If possible, start conditioning Fido when he’s still a puppy. 

Even if you’re starting with an older dog, let him wear his empty bag on walks, jaunts at the dog park, or even just around the house.

To build Fido’s strength and endurance, gradually add weight to the pack and length to your walks (You can do the same with your own bug-out gear. Humans also need to build strength and endurance over time.).

If you can, take Fido on some overnight camping/hiking trips to get him used to sleeping away from the comfort of his doggie bed. 

How Much Should My Dog Carry?

As a general rule, you want to plan to pack enough supplies for 24 to 72 hours. What that entails will differ depending on your dog. 

Dogs were not domesticated as pack animals, so we shouldn’t expect them to carry gear like a pack mule. 

The amount Fido can safely carry depends on several factors, including his breed, fitness level, and the expected length of the journey. 

The trick is to know your dog. If you aren’t sure how much weight your dog can handle, consult your vet.

Final Thoughts

Dogs didn’t earn the title of “Man’s Best Friend” for nothing.

Most of us view our dogs as full-fledged members of the family, so it only makes sense to include Fido in our bug-out plans. 

Do you have any special plans for bugging out with your dog? Have you ever had to evacuate with your pet? Let us know in the comments. If you still need to build your own human bug-out bag, check out our Ultimate Bug-Out Bag List, or bug-in with our Prepping 101 Guide. On the go? Check out the Must-Have Gear for Your Car Survival Kit.