If you live in Alberta, your phone has likely buzzed with critical emergency alerts over the last few days. With heavy, relentless rainfall hitting our province, rising river levels and localized flooding have suddenly put homes, roads, and communities at risk.

For the anxious pet parent, that unsettling alert sound triggers an instant spike of panic. For the active, outdoor pet parent, it means backcountry trails are washed out and travel plans are suddenly dangerous.

Despite what you might think, floods are actually a frequent hazard in Canada and have devastated many areas in Alberta. Flooding can occur any time of year from heavy rainfall, ice jams, rapid melting of glaciers or snowpacks, and natural or man-made dam failures.

Before the Flood

General emergency preparedness standards suggest you and your pet should be prepared to take care of yourself for at least 72 hours. This means having a plan where you’re self-sufficient is non-negotiable.

When a flood or evacuation notice hits, you’re too late to prepare. You only have time to execute. If you have a vague, verbal plan for your dog, a crisis will expose the gaps instantly.

The following steps will help to ensure your dog is rescue-ready before the water rises.

1. Elevate and Secure Your Documentation

Flooding ruins paperwork instantly. If you are forced to evacuate to a municipal center or check your dog into an emergency boarding facility, they will require physical proof of vaccines and ownership. A digital copy on your phone won’t help if your battery dies or cell towers overload.

• The Fix: Gather your dog’s Emergency One-Sheet, vaccination certificates, and veterinary authorization forms tonight. Do the same for yourself, collect any of your important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information, and insurance papers. Seal all of these inside a heavy-duty, waterproof dry bag or a fire-and-water-resistant document pouch.
• TuoBak’s Fireproof & Waterproof Document Bag: This upgraded fireproof bag for documents is constructed primarily of fire-resistant, heat-insulating functional materials that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. The sealed zippers are totally waterproof which can survive the spray of firefighter’s hose on full blast, providing protection for your documents. https://amzn.to/4elrEUE

2. Maintain an Emergency Kit

We received the emergency alert for flooding in our area after 9pm at night. Even if we wanted to leave our house to get supplies, it would have been too late. Many of our neighbors were desperate for help with plumbing and left without the essential tools they needed to keep themselves, their house, and their pets safe.

Keeping an emergency kit is more than just extra kibble and a spare leash, it means being truly prepared so you’re not scrambling at midnight while water pools in your basement. A typical kit is stocked with 72 hours worth of supplies such as water, food, a radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid supplies, and more. In cases of flooding, even this won’t be enough.

• The Fix: Prepare before the flood. Have 72 hours worth of water and food for yourself and your pet. Have water-related gear for your pet at the ready like waterproof gear or a life jacket. It’s a good idea to own your own disaster-related tools so you aren’t waiting in line for help with your house.
• Venture Nines: This small Canadian business creates gear that is highly, durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s gear being compromised in the water. You can use our code, nutmeg15, for 15% off your purchase. https://www.venturenines.com/

During a Flood

Water is far more powerful than it looks, it only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock over an adult, 12 inches to carry away a car, and 2 feet of water to move an SUV. You should never attempt to cross a flooded area.

1. Protect your Home & Belongings

If you are sheltering in place while water accumulates on your property, logistics matter. You need to manage the immediate environment before an evacuation order is officially issued.

• The Fix: If you have a basement, ensure your pet’s backup food, crates, and supplies are moved to the main or upper floors immediately. If you are actively managing water pooling near your home, clear your drainage paths. Remove electrical appliances for safety and toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution. Keeping an emergency [submersible utility pump] on hand can buy your property—and your family—critical hours to pack calmly rather than fleeing in a panic.
• Never lock your pet or any farm animals in enclosed spaces during floods like crates, kennel runs, or barns. Being trapped increases their risk for drowning significantly.
• Foting Sump Pump: With over 2,000 ratings and 4.3 stars, Foting’s Sump Pump is a favourite for high-efficiency draining performance and easy operation. This in combination with a hose has been one of the most sought out tools when basements began to flood and could saved our neighbours some valuable time. https://amzn.to/43PUaHW

2. Prepare to Leave

It’s crucial to stay informed on the situation by listening to updates from authorities. Following trusted local emergency alert pages, turning the news or radio on, and keeping your loved ones informed is so important.

• The Fix: Have your emergency kit, and your emergency documents for you and your pet ready to go in case the order comes through. You do not want to waste valuable time gathering these things after the order has been given.

3. Evacuation

Floods move fast. If an evacuation alert is given or emergency responders knock on your door and give you ten minutes to leave, an anxious dog will pick up on your panic. Their natural instinct will be to run and hide under a bed or wedge themselves behind furniture.

• The Fix: Do a dry run tonight. Practice the exact sequence of grabbing your dog’s designated travel harness or crate, packing their waterproof document pouch, and loading them into your vehicle. Keep high-value rewards right by the door to make the movement fast, positive, and second nature.

When evacuating, follow all instructions from authorities. Avoid low-lying areas such as ravines or underpasses that could flood quickly. Put your dog’s life jacket on before you get in the vehicle in case you have to abandon the car later. If it stalls or becomes stuck in fast-rising water, authorities recommend abandoning the water to save yourself and your pet. Follow the evacuation routes given by authorities even if they contradict your original plan, they could be steering you away from blocked or flooded areas. Drive carefully with your headlights on, make way for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

• The Fix: You do not want to be scrambling for a pet-friendly shelter or place to stay while navigating road closures and flood waters. Have this plan written out long before the scenario. Have you checked with friends and family that live out of town if you and your pet can stay with them? What shelters in your evacuation area allow pets? Do this now and make a plan so you’re not panicking in the moment.

🛑 Pet First Aid Note 🛑

While mapping out flood logistics and securing your home is critical, true emergency readiness means knowing how to handle physical mishaps along the way. Beyond drowning, floodwaters carry hidden debris, bacteria, and contamination risks. We highly recommend pairing your planning with a certified Canine First Aid course so you can confidently evaluate your dog’s vitals and manage sudden injuries or exposure during a crisis.

30% Off Heavy Rain Flash Sale

Don’t wait for the next emergency alert to figure out your exit script. To help Alberta pet parents get organized during this week’s severe weather, we are running a 30% off flash sale on our signature digital resources.

• Need a complete system? Download the full Rescue Ready Canine Workbook on Etsy tonight. It includes your evacuation blueprints, risk assessments, and legal forms so you can stop worrying and start prepping.

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