Free Canine Emergency Information Form
D uring an emergency, you may be injured, unavailable, or unable to provide important information about your dog. A clearly identified emergency information form can help first responders, veterinary professionals, caregivers, or Good Samaritans quickly determine whom to contact and whether your dog has medical, behavioral, or handling needs.
To help owners prepare for these situations, The Thinking K9 has created a free Canine Emergency Information Form that can be downloaded, completed, and kept with your dog.
Information Included on the Form
The form provides space to document:
- Owner and emergency contact information
- Primary and emergency veterinary contacts
- A current photograph of the dog
- Microchip information
- Physical description and identifying markings
- Medications and administration instructions
- Medical conditions and allergies
- Important behavioral, handling, and care instructions
Complete a separate form for each dog so that the correct information remains with the correct animal.
The form may be completed by hand or digitally by using free resources such as Firefox PDF Editor or Preview for Mac.
Where Should You Keep It?
The best emergency information is information that responders can actually find. Print more than one copy and place it anywhere your dog regularly travels, stays, or may need to be identified.
Your Emergency Info Form should be placed inside a secure capsule or fireproof sleeve that's clearly marked and easy to identify in the chaos of an emergency.
Create a secure capsule from a 1-2" PVC tube at least 9" long with easily removable end caps. If needed, adding a small amount of Vaseline helps make cap removal easier.
Secure the form directly to your dog’s crate in a clearly labeled document capsule. Place it on the side of the crate that is most visible and accessible when a vehicle door or rear hatch is opened.
If your dog travels without a crate, secure the form to the dog’s seat-belt system, barrier, or travel bag—whichever is most likely to remain close to your dog following a collision.
Do not leave the form or capsule loose inside the vehicle. It could be displaced, damaged, or lost during a collision.
A detailed form should not simply be placed in a window. Personal contact information and medical details would then be visible to anyone passing the home.
Keep the form in a capsule in the window near the primary entrance and attached to the dog’s crate.
Attach a copy to the dog’s crate or kennel when staying at:
Document Medical and Behavioral Needs Clearly
The Additional Information section may be used for medical instructions, accessibility needs, behavioral concerns, or handling precautions.
Information should be brief, specific, and easy to understand during an emergency. Examples include:
- HEARING OR VISION IMPAIRED
- DO NOT ALLOW CONTACT WITH OTHER DOGS
- FLIGHT RISK—KEEP LEASHED AT ALL TIMES
- MUZZLE BEFORE HANDLING
Be Prepared Before an Emergency Occurs
No document can guarantee the outcome of an emergency. However, accurate and accessible information can help responders, veterinary professionals, caregivers, and members of the public make better-informed decisions when you are unable to advocate for your dog.
Download the free form, complete one for each dog, and place copies wherever they are most likely to be needed.
