If a service dog handler collapses at home, is involved in a car accident, or is forced to evacuate due to a hurricane or wildfire, what happens to the dog? How do emergency responders know the dog is a service dog? How does the handler ensure the dog is cared for even when the handler is incapacitated?
Emergencies are unpredictable and stressful, but taking some steps to prepare can help ensure the dog’s needs are met in these difficult situations.
Planning for Emergencies at Home
Most service dog handlers do not have their dog wear a vest at home, so paramedics and other first responders called to help in an emergency may not realize the dog is a service dog. There are two possible remedies for this. One is to ensure there is a tag or ID on the dog at all times that identifies the dog as a service dog. Additionally, decals on windows or a sign on the front door can indicate that the dog is a service dog.
Because not everyone is familiar with terminology, clarity is important. Using the term “medical assistance dog” can be clearer. This avoids misunderstandings around the term “service dog,” which some may associate with guard dogs. It’s important that key details — including contact information for people who can take the dog, vet details, and the dog’s microchip number and registration company — are easily accessible. It is a good idea to clearly indicate where these important details about the dog may be found. For example, a sign at the front door can indicate that this information is on the refrigerator (easy to find in most homes). Some smart watch medical information or medical alert devices may allow for information to be included about the service dog.
From a training standpoint, having a reliable “go to place” or strong down-stay behavior can help the dog stay safely out of the way during emergencies. Practice training the dog to remain indoors, even if the door is wide open and people are entering and exiting as they might in an emergency. It’s also important to practice having the dog handled and led away from the handler by a person unknown to the dog. And setting up a backup care plan with a trusted friend, neighbor or sitter ensures the dog will be looked after if the handler is hospitalized.
Emergencies in Public or While Traveling
Emergencies don’t just happen at home. If a handler has a medical emergency or is involved in an accident in a public place, people unfamiliar to the dog may need to assist. Laminated emergency contact cards or ID tags can be used to explain the dog’s role and include names and phone numbers of emergency contacts. Some vests and harnesses have small zippered pockets for this purpose.
Additionally, if the handler has a smart phone that is set up to alert for help in an emergency, they can include a trusted contact who is prepared to take care of the dog. Medical alert bracelets or wallet cards that mention the service dog are useful in high-traffic areas or while traveling as well.
Natural Disasters and Evacuation Readiness
If evacuation is required during a hurricane, wildfire or flood, both the dog and handler face increased stress. While service dogs are legally allowed in emergency shelters, crowded conditions and long waits can be difficult. Handlers with disabilities should plan on evacuating as early as possible.
Having a “go bag” for the service dog in advance can be helpful as well. Although documents about the dog’s training and the handler’s need of the dog are not legally required, in the case of an emergency they may be useful to have. Dog food can be bulky, but there are some freeze dried meal pouches that are lighter weight and can be easier to carry.
Guidelines on how much food and water to have on hand vary from three days to two weeks. People with disabilities may find it difficult to carry the recommended amounts with their health needs, adaptive equipment, medications and such. That said, whatever the person is able to bring, including some collapsible bowls, medications, vet records (in hard copy in case cell phone towers are not working well), an extra leash and collar or harness, as well as clean up supplies and a blanket or towel for a long down-stay can be helpful.
Training for the Unexpected
Training plays a critical role in preparing for emergencies. A solid down-stay or “go to place” that the service dog can hold even under stress helps first responders do their jobs safely.
Taking time to make sure the dog is comfortable with people in uniforms is an important aspect of disaster preparation as well. Some service dog organizations make arrangements to visit local fire stations, for example. Handlers can also take simple steps at home, such as getting the dog used to sirens by playing recordings of them — softly at first — while providing a long-lasting chew or playing with the dog.
Even though service dogs don’t legally have to be crated in emergency shelters, many facilities encourage or require crating for animals to conserve space. Service dog handlers sometimes overlook practicing crating their dogs, but this is a useful skill for emergencies, veterinary procedures and should the dog ever have an injury requiring movement restrictions.
A Small Investment That Can Make a Big Difference
Hopefully, these preparations will never be needed. But should an emergency occur, being ready can protect the service dog’s wellbeing and give the handler peace of mind. For service dog trainers, emergency preparedness is a topic that is important to include when working with teams — not just for safety, but for the long-term success of the working team.