One of the important aspects of raising your dog is to be ready for unexpected events and disasters that could put your dog in harm's way or be dangerous to/for him. Here are a few tips to be prepared for the unexpected.

Have proper ID - Placing a microchip under your dog's skin is not painful and takes only seconds. Have a chip placed when he is at the vet for a routine check up, being neutered or spayed. The chip contains a code that is read with a scanner that vets, humane societies, and shelters have on hand. By calling an 800 number, the caregivers can give the operator the code which is then used to access the owner's information so the dog can be returned to his proper home. If you don't go the microchip route, then an ID tag attached to a break away collar would be the next alternative.

If your dog is poisoned - you will need to act quickly. Have the Poison Control Hotline readily available - 1-888-426-4435. This Poison Control Hotline is maintained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) 24 hours a day. For a fee of $45 per year they will answer questions about toxic substances that may be around your house or assist you or your vet in the proper treatment of your dog. In addition, they will assess whether a trip to the vet is needed.
* Keep you vet's phone number with your other emergency numbers near the phone.
* Locate the nearest 24 hour emergency animal hospital to you and add that number to your phone list.

 In most parts of the country there are type of pending disasters, whether it be fire, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, floods, or blizzards. Wherever you live it is important to have an emergency evacuation plans that include your pets. These plans should also be given to a neighbor or family member in the event you are not home when a natural disaster strikes, so that person knows what to do.

* Make sure each pet has identification (microchip or ID tags).
* Keep a leash for each dog/animal near the door.
* For smaller animals, keep a crate or travel carrier in a hall closet close to the door.
* Keep a kit with evacuation supplies in a waterproof carrier in the same closet where you keep the crates. Include in the kit microchip information, current photos, a fresh supply of any medications your dog takes, contact information for your work place and neighbor/friend information who can care for your dog if you are away.
* Place stickers on all doors to notify rescue personnel that animals are in your home.
* Talk to your neighbors about planning a joint disaster response plan,