Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2025

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

National Disaster Preparedness Month:
Ensure our Pets Stay Safe and Secure

As September marks National Disaster Preparedness month, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is urging pet owners to prioritize the safety and well-being of their furry companions. It is essential to ensure that our pets are secure and prepared year-round, particularly in the face of emergencies.

To help pet owners safeguard their furry, finned, feathered, and scaled friends, DACC recommends the following preparedness tips:

1. Pet-Proof Your Home

Ensure your home is safe for your pets by securing cleaning supplies, medications, and other harmful substances. Be mindful of toxic items such as chocolate, caffeine, and certain plants that can pose a risk to your pets.

2. Create a Safe Space

Creating a safe space at home is important. Creating a safe space your pet can retreat to will significantly reduce stress in situations where your pet may feel overwhelmed.

3. Prioritize Health

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial for your pet’s health. Ensure their vaccinations are up to date as this strengthens their immune system and protects them from various diseases.

4. Ensure Proper Identification

Sometimes our pets can escape. Make sure your pet has proper identification, including a collar with your contact information and the pet’s license, and your pet is microchipped. You may visit any one of the County’s seven animal care centers to obtain a pet license and have your pet microchipped. The chances of reuniting with your pet is increased when they have proper identification.

5. Prepare an Emergency Pet Kit

Create a pet emergency kit that includes food and water for at least three days, any medications your pet may require, medical records, microchip information, and a leash or harness. Having a plan in place ensures all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency.

“During National Disaster Preparedness Month, it’s crucial that we remember our pets in our emergency plans,” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “By taking proactive measures to ensure their safety, we can provide them with the love and security they deserve, even in times of crisis.”

As we observe National Disaster Preparedness Month, let us commit to keeping our beloved pets safe and secure. By following these proactive steps, we can ensure that our furry friends are prepared for any situation that may arise.

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 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 department to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.