How to Prepare Your Dog for a Natural Disaster
Here at Woof Republic, our entire team is either from or live in Los Angeles. Our hearts are with everyone who is currently affected by the ongoing wildfires.
As we’ve seen with this tragedy, you never know when disaster can hit. While it may not always be on your mind, it is in your best interest as a pet parent to prepare your dog for a potential natural emergency.
Here are a few of our tips.
Get Your Dog Microchipped
Photo by Oscar Sutton on Unsplash
During a disaster, there is a chance that your dog may run off, which is devastating. One way that may help you be reunited again is to get your dog microchipped.
According to AKC, getting your dog a microchip 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 a shelter or a veterinarian clinic, they can be returned to you.
Have an Evacuation Plan
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
I have lived in Southern California most of my life and there have been quite a few times when my family needed to evacuate due to wildfires. Thankfully, we stayed 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 time, do some research to see which places allow canine companions. If you think 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 to stay with until you are reunited again.
Pack an Emergency Kit For You & Your Pup
It’s important to have emergency kits for you and your dog. Make sure 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 premade 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 vet to get their input on what exactly you should pack.