Emergency & Safety
Be Ready When It Matters Most
Emergencies can happen fast—and when they do, knowing what to do can save your dog’s life. Whether it’s a medical crisis, a lost pet, or a natural disaster, this section offers quick-access tools and resources to help you stay prepared, stay calm, and act fast. Because in those high-stress moments, every second (and every decision) counts.
Poison Control
If your pet has ingested something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7; fees may apply). Save this number in your phone—you’ll never regret it.
Dog CPR & Emergency First Aid
Emergencies can happen when you least expect them—and knowing basic CPR and first aid could save your dog’s life. From choking and heatstroke to cuts and cardiac arrest, having the skills to respond quickly makes all the difference.
Cat & Dog CPR (from Red Cross Website)
1: Check for breathing and a heartbeat…
Check to see if the pet is breathing and check for a heartbeat. If you do not see your pet’s chest moving and cannot find a heartbeat, begin CPR with chest compressions.
2: Give chest compressions…
Place your hands on your pet as follows:
For cats, small dogs and deep chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
For deep chested dogs, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
For barrel chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.
Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again.
Perform 30 chest compressions
3: Then give rescue breaths…
To give rescue breaths, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend the pet’s neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise. Give a second rescue breath.
4: Continue CPR…
Continue giving CPR with a cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until your dog or cat begins breathing again on its own.
5: Check again for breathing and a heartbeat…
Briefly check for breathing and a heartbeat every 2 minutes.
6: Get help…
Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
Whether you’re evacuating due to weather or prepping for an emergency, a go-bag for your pet can be a literal lifesaver. Include items like:
- 3–5 days of food & water
- Medications & medical records
- Leash, collar, and ID tags
- A printed photo of your pet
- A list of emergency contacts
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Lost
Steps to take immediately if your dog goes missing:
- Notify your microchip company
- Post on Nextdoor, Facebook lost/found pages, Petco Love Lost, and PawBoost
- File a report with local animal control and shelters
- Put up posters with a clear photo, contact info, and reward (optional)