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Advance Planning to Keep Pets and Livestock Safe

Almost 20 million California households have pets at risk of harm during a disaster.

Recent disasters and follow-up research have shown that proper preparation and effective coordination of animal issues enhance the ability of emergency personnel to protect both human and animal health and safety.

Ten to 25 percent of pet owners will fail to evacuate because of their animals.

Thirty to 50 percent of pet owners will leave pets behind, even with advance notice of evacuation. Many will return before it is safe or "all clear" to rescue pets.

Farmers and ranchers who depend upon animals for their livelihoods are often unwilling to leave livestock unsupervised in the event of a disaster.

Plan Ahead:
-- Pet owners should take steps to arrange for animals' safety during evacuation:

• Check with veterinarians for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
  
  
• Be sure you have enough crates or other items to allow you to transport all of your pets at the same time.
  
  
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification (tags, microchips, etc.) that include your cell phone number or phone number of a friend outside the area.
  
  
• Ask local animal shelters about emergency shelters or foster care for pets.
  
  
• Identify pet-friendly hotels and motels outside of the immediate area.
  
  
• Ask friends and relatives outside the disaster area to take in evacuated pets.

Get Ready:
-- Emergency supplies and traveling kits should be kept updated and handy, including:

• Pet first-aid and guide book
  
  
• Two week's worth of your pet's medications
  
  
• Copies of vaccination and medical records
  
  
• Canned (pop-top) or dry food and bottled water
  
  
• Feeding dishes
  
  
• Litter, disposable litter trays or paper toweling
  
  
• Extra leashes and collars
  
  
• Photos and descriptions of each pet
  
  
• Blanket (for covering and carrying a fearful pet)
  
  
• Carrier or sturdy traveling bag for each pet

Minimize Evacuation Time:

Store emergency kits and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a disaster or severe storm. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Ensure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Each pet's ID tag should contain its name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs.

Microchip pet IDs provide a more permanent form of identification.

The California Veterinary Medical Association has posted information about what to do to care for your pets in the event of a disaster and is gathering real-time information from its members in Southern California regarding the status of at risk pets and animals affected by the Southern California fires and needs to care for these pets.

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