Southern California is subject to many types of natural disasters including wildfires, earthquakes and floods. Local emergencies such as power outages, chemical spills or other events can also disrupt normal activities. Being prepared for these situations will help you protect your pet.

Preparation

Being prepared for emergencies is the most important step you can take to avoid injuries or despair. Have the following plans and items in place before disaster strikes:

1. Make sure your pet is mocrochipped and licensed so it can be returned to you in case you become separated.

2. Identify alternative housing for your pet so it can be safely relocated during an evacuation if you cannot take it with you.

3. Develop an emergency plan with a friend or family member who can care for your pets in your absence. Agree in advance how this will happen and provide written authority for them to act on your behalf. Review and update the plan annually – use a date that is easy to remember, such as your pet’s birthday or annual vaccination appointment.

4. Make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations for common contagious disease. In an emergency it may become housed with other animals that may be harboring illness.

5. Keep a “go bag” of supplies for your pet, that you can grab at a moment’s notice:

a. Food

b. Bottled water

c. Bowls

d. Cleaning supplies (pooper scooper, disposal bags, litter scooper)

e. Extra collar and leash

f. First aid kit

g. Prescription medications

h. Disposable litter box

i. Cat litter

j. Crate

k. Copies of important documents such as vaccination records, license, proof of ownership, microchip registration number and phone number of the registry, medical insurance papers, your veterinarian’s contact information, recent photographs of good quality to use for lost pet posters

6. Make sure your dog is obedient and well trained. Enroll in obedience classes if necessary. During an emergency it will be critical that your dog obeys you and can be housed cooperatively with other animals or people.

In the Event of an Emergency

1. Remain calm. Your pet will respond to your anxiety and may hide or be more difficult to handle.

2. Grab your pet’s “go bag” and implement your emergency plan

3. Monitor news stations for reports of disaster and evacuation orders, and release of those orders.

4. Contact our Department if you are in our jurisdiction and need assistance. We provide emergency evacuation services and provide temporary housing for displaced animals.

5. Try to keep your pet calm. Recognize they may be frightened or disoriented and may not behave as usual. Try to protect them from frightening experiences and monitor them closely when they interact with other animals or people, particularly children.

After the Emergency Ends

1. Recognize that your pet may remain fearful or uncertain even weeks after the event. Return to normalcy as soon as possible and monitor your pet for several weeks to make sure it is adjusting.

2. Check your home and property for dangers and escape routes before bringing your pet home.

3. Make sure your pet is securely confined If work crews arrive to repair property damage.

4. If you have lost your pet click here for advice on finding it.