June is Pet Preparedness Month: Why Microchips & ID Tags Matter—Especially Before the 4th of July

As June rolls in and we welcome warmer weather and outdoor adventures, it also marks National Pet Preparedness Month—a reminder to ensure our dogs are protected, not just from heat or dehydration, but from the very real risk of getting lost. And with the 4th of July just around the corner, now is the perfect time to talk about one of the most important (and easiest) steps we can take as responsible dog owners: making sure our dogs are microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID collar.

We know the Fourth brings fun, BBQs, and fireworks—but for dogs, it’s one of the most stressful nights of the year. In fact, more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day. Even the most well-trained dogs can panic at the sudden sound of fireworks and bolt through a gate, off a leash, or out of a yard they’ve never tried to leave before.

Now, for those of us with working dogs—especially seasoned gun dogs who’ve been through training fields and duck blinds—fireworks might not cause the same panic. Many hunting dogs are desensitized to loud bangs thanks to years of gunfire exposure. But even the most confident Epagneul Breton or Labrador isn’t immune to the chaos of backyard fireworks going off in every direction. And younger dogs or those in new environments might still react unpredictably.

That’s why microchipping is so important. A microchip is a permanent form of ID that can’t fall off or be removed. It greatly increases the chances of your dog being returned to you if found. Pair that with a sturdy collar and an ID tag with your current phone number, and you’ve just given your dog the best possible chance of making it back home if something goes wrong.

Here’s your Pet Preparedness Month checklist:

• ✅ Confirm your dog’s microchip is registered with your current contact info.

• ✅ Make sure your dog is wearing a well-fitted collar with an up-to-date ID tag.

• ✅ Take a current photo of your dog in case you need it for a lost pet alert.

• ✅ Secure gates, fences, and kennels before fireworks begin.

• ✅ Keep dogs indoors or close during the peak evening hours of July 4th.

Your dogs are family—and for those of us who work and train them, they’re teammates too. Taking these small steps this month can save you heartache later. Because no one wants to spend the holiday running through the neighborhood with a flashlight calling their dog’s name.

Let’s keep them safe, calm, and home.