Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2026

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Promotes Emergency Preparedness Month

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) urges all residents to take time this September, Emergency Preparedness Month, to ensure they are ready to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Wildfires, flash floods, earthquakes, and other disasters can occur without warning and having a plan in place can protect both you and your pets.  You can find a list of items to put in your pet’s “go bag” at https://ready.lacounty.gov/pet-disaster-supply-kits/.

Being prepared means knowing how you will leave your residence and what essential items you’ll take with you. DACC encourages all pet owners to assemble a dedicated emergency kit to ensure their animals remain safe, healthy, and identifiable during a crisis.

Recommended items for a pet emergency kit include:

• Leashes, harnesses, crates, or carriers
• Medications and veterinary records
• Adequate food and water
• Microchip information and identification tags

In addition to a supply kit, residents should create a clear evacuation plan that includes safe routes, designated meeting points, and a strategy for securing and transporting pets quickly.

“As Los Angeles County prepares for the possibility of a super El Niño storm and continues responding to recent emergencies, families and their pets face ongoing uncertainty and challenges,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “During National Preparedness Month, I encourage residents to create a pet emergency kit and take simple steps that can make a lifesaving difference. Our pets are cherished members of our families, and every preparedness plan has the potential to save lives.”

“Emergencies can strike at any moment, and preparation is one of the greatest tools we have to keep our families and pets safe”, said Director Marcia Mayeda. “Taking simple steps today, like assembling a pet emergency kit and planning evacuation routes can make all the difference when time is critical. Your pets rely on you completely during a disaster, and being ready ensures you can protect them when it matters most.”

DACC encourages all Los Angeles County residents to review their emergency plans and update their supplies throughout the month.

About Noah’s Legacy Fund

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation’s Noah’s Legacy Fund supports the Department’s emergency response efforts. These services are critical to the communities we serve as we continue to respond to the wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes that can occur in the areas we serve.

Learn more at https://lacountyanimals.org/way-to-give/disaster-relief/

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).  To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/.  To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.

About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit charity with the highest ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid.  It supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the DACC to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.