May 8th marks National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. While it is never fun to think of a potential disaster, you should be ready for any scenario. After all, you want to ensure that your dog is safe no matter what happens. 

Here at Woof Republic, we think one of the best ways to observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is to put together a plan and supplies for your furry friend if a disaster arises. Here are a few of our tips. 

Get Your Dog Microchipped

During a disaster, there is a chance that your dog may run away, which is devastating. One way that may help you be reunited again is to get your dog microchipped. According to the AKC, microchipping your dog is a relatively easy process. Make an appointment with your vet, who will implant the chip “under the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades.” (Don’t worry -- it just feels like a pinch!) You will then need to “register it with a national pet recovery database.” During this process, make sure that all your contact information is correct. This way if your dog gets lost and is taken to either a shelter or a veterinarian clinic, they can be returned to you. 

Have an Evacuation Plan 

I have lived in Southern California most of my life, and there have been quite a few times where my family has needed to evacuate due to wildfires. Thankfully, we were able to stay with family members who had no problem with our dog. However, not everyone has this luxury. 

If you can afford to stay in a hotel for an extended period, do some research to see which places allow canine companions. If you feel like you may have to stay at a shelter, it’s in your best interest to make a quick phone call to see how the facility feels about dogs. On the chance that your furry friend is not welcome, you should consider boarding them at a kennel. If that is also not an option, see if local shelters or rescue groups would be willing to find a foster family for your dog until you are reunited again. 

Pack an Emergency Kit For Your Pup 

It’s always important to have an emergency kit on hand for your dog. Make sure that you have all your dog’s medications, paperwork, a collar, a leash, extra bedding, a few toys, food bowls, biodegradable waste bags, jugs of water, and enough food that will last your dog for a week or two. We recommend purchasing a pre-made first aid kit for dogs because it can be time-consuming to make your own. If you do decide that you would like to gather your own supplies, talk with your pet’s veterinarian to get their input on what exactly you should pack.