Backcountry Aid and Rescue Kits (BARK) were developed with a vision to provide the basic first aid essentials and know-how during emergency situations involving dogs in backcountry wilderness. BARK aims to educate owners in the value of preparing for emergencies in remote areas – and to provide the appropriate medical attention when veterinary care may be delayed or not possible. BARK provides the essential first aid supplies to triage and correctly respond to injuries, as well as educates the user in basic animal anatomy, safe handling and restraint, effective wound care and appropriate emergency triage.
A focal element of BARK is emergency preparedness and to provide scenario-specific response plans in potentially adverse environments. If an owner is bringing their animal with them into the wilderness, they should be just as prepared to protect and rescue them in the event of an injury or emergency situation.
BARK ensures that all owners consider their animal’s health and wellbeing as a valuable priority, rather than an afterthought. This proactive approach will not only bring awareness to the unique needs of dogs, but also provide the necessary first aid tools to recognize early signs of suffering and to effectively treat minor injuries when veterinary medical assistance is delayed or not possible.
Our principle is to act as guardians for the health, safety and wellbeing of the dogs we share the outdoors with.
It is important to note that first aid is not a substitute for medical treatment. BARK does not in any way intend to serve as an alternative or replacement to proper veterinary care. Discuss with your veterinarian the health status of your dog prior to taking into the backcountry. BARK strongly advises all users to complete a practical animal-specific first aid training course with an accredited first aid instructor. Do not bring young, elderly, injured or immunosuppressed dogs into the backcountry without first understanding their specific needs.