Dog owner sitting on a sofa gently comforting a calm dog at home in a quiet living room environment.

Including Your Dog in Your Readiness Plan

Alaa Mneimneh

March 20, 2026

Uncertainty can make everyone feel unsettled. Dogs feel it too.

They pick up on changes in routine, tension in the environment, and unfamiliar noises. Preparing a few simple things in advance can help you stay calm and make sure your dog is safe and comfortable if plans need to change quickly.

The goal is not to panic or overprepare. It is simply to make sure your dog is included in your plan.

Prepare a Small “Dog Go-Bag”

Just like people keep emergency supplies ready, it helps to keep a small bag prepared for your dog.

Keep it somewhere easy to grab.

Include:

A few days of your dog’s meals
A collapsible food and water bowl
Bottled water
A leash and harness
A small towel or blanket that smells like home
Waste bags
Any medications your dog takes
A copy of vaccination records if possible

If your dog eats fresh meals, keep a few portions in the freezer that can travel in a cooler bag if needed. Fresh food is moisture-rich, which can help maintain hydration when routines are disrupted.

Emergency preparedness items for a dog placed on a hallway table including leash, carrier bag, and travel essentials.

Make Sure Identification Is Up to Date

In stressful situations dogs can become disoriented or try to run.

Check that:

Your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your phone number
Microchip details are updated with your current contact information
You have clear photos of your dog on your phone

Dog owner attaching an identification collar tag with contact details to a dog’s neck for safety and identification.

These small details make a big difference if you ever become separated.

Keep a Familiar Routine Where Possible

Dogs rely heavily on routine.

If the environment around you changes, try to keep simple anchors the same:

Feeding times
Walk times
Sleep spots
Calm interaction with you

Even when things feel uncertain, predictable routines help dogs feel secure.

Create a Calm Corner at Home

Dogs often cope better when they have a quiet place to retreat.

Choose a calm spot in the home and place:

Their bed
A favourite toy
A blanket with familiar scent

Dog resting calmly inside a comfortable indoor crate with bedding and toys, creating a safe and quiet space at home.

This becomes their safe space if there are loud noises, visitors, or general disruption.

Use Food Enrichment to Reduce Stress

When dogs feel anxious, gentle activities that involve licking or sniffing can help them relax.

You can try:

A lick mat with pumpkin purée or bone broth
A stuffed toy with a small amount of their meal
A slow feeder

Dog lick mat with soft food spread used as calming enrichment activity for dogs indoors.

Licking is naturally soothing for dogs. It helps shift their nervous system into a calmer state and gives them something constructive to focus on.

Stay Calm Around Your Dog

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to human emotions.

They often mirror our body language, tone of voice, and stress levels. Speaking gently, maintaining normal interactions, and keeping your movements calm can help your dog feel more secure.

Even small things like sitting with them, brushing them, or taking a slow walk together can help both of you feel grounded.

When It Comes to Our Dogs

Most of the time, preparation is simply peace of mind.

A small bag, a stable routine, and a few comforting activities can make a big difference to how your dog experiences stressful moments.

Dogs are family. And when we make plans for our family, they should always be part of them, never left behind.

And sometimes the most reassuring thing for them is simple.

Being close to you.

What should I pack in a dog emergency go-bag?

Your dog's go-bag should include a few days of food, a collapsible bowl, bottled water, a leash and harness, waste bags, any medications, vaccination records, and a small blanket or towel that smells like home. If your dog eats fresh food, keep a few frozen portions that can travel in a cooler bag.

How do I make sure my dog can be identified in an emergency?

Check that your dog's collar has an up-to-date ID tag with your current phone number, that their microchip details are registered to your current contact information, and that you have clear, recent photos of them saved on your phone.

How can I help my dog stay calm during a stressful or disruptive event?

Try to maintain familiar routines like feeding times, walks, and sleep spots as much as possible. Create a calm corner at home with their bed, a favourite toy, and a familiar-scented blanket. Your own calm body language and tone of voice also has a big impact, as dogs closely mirror human emotions.

What enrichment activities help reduce anxiety in dogs?

Licking and sniffing activities are naturally soothing for dogs. A lick mat with pumpkin puree or bone broth, a stuffed toy filled with a small portion of their meal, or a slow feeder can all help shift your dog into a calmer state during periods of stress or disruption.

What should I bring if I need to leave home temporarily with my dog?

Pack their usual blanket, a favourite toy, and their regular bowl. Familiar scents from home can significantly help your dog feel safe and settled in an unfamiliar environment.