Residents Reminded to Make Plans for Pets In Case of Emergency

Los Angeles County Animal and Control

 

PRESS RELEASE- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  September 2, 2010

Contact:  Evelina Villa, (562) 256-1364

 

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS

MONTH - DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR PETS!

 

      

       In honor of National Preparedness month, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) would like to remind pet owners to be prepared for the event of an emergency. Including your pets in your emergency preparedness plans is key to ensuring survival during a disaster, crisis, or emergency.  Remember, it is always best to plan ahead, before disaster strikes.

 

       One of the most important components of emergency preparedness is having a plan for you and your family. The same goes for your pets. Be sure to have a plan in place for them as well.  Make arrangements now with family or friends who would be willing to welcome your pets in the event of an emergency. Make plans with your neighbors to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

 

       Have an emergency kit for your pets. Make sure to include food and water (enough for at least three days for each pet) and any necessary medication.  Dogs should wear a collar with license and identification information. Microchip your pets!  Be sure to have extra collars and leashes with ID tags for both cats and dogs. Each pet should have their own crate or carrier.  Crates should have good air circulation and should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down. A harness and leash for your cat can be very helpful in reducing escapes while cleaning the cage. Have a copy of all of your pet’s important information (registration, microchip, vaccination, and other important medical records).  Also include familiar items, such as favorite toys and treats, which can help reduce stress for your pets during a disaster.  

 

If you have livestock, be sure to make arrangements to evacuate or prepare an area where horses can remain safe during an emergency event.  With livestock, it is vital for horses to be evacuated early from threatened areas so horse trailers do not interfere with emergency response vehicles. DACC encourages you to train your horse to load into a trailer and have a working trailer available.  If your horse will not load easily or safely, work in advance to make your horses’ area as safe as possible to shelter in place.  Check with your local Fire Department for clearance regulations.

For more information, visit our website, http://animalcare.lacounty.gov or contact your local animal shelter.

 

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