Don't forget to Include Your Pets in Disaster Preparedness Planning
Many pets were left behind to fend for themselves during the wildfires in California’s Calaveras and Lake counties resulting in serious injuries, death or disappearance.
This occurred because the fire came so fast many survivors had no time to save the animals.
Planning ahead means saving all family members - even the winged or multi-legged ones.
- Preparing Your Pets for Shelter
- “Ready, Pet, Go!” Preparedness Calendar
- PetParedness takes the spotlight
- Sheltered Pets
- 5 Easy Ways to Prepare Your Pet
- If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, ask your veterinarian about the possibility. Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and fastened to its collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, its tag is its ticket home.
- Make sure your pet’s immunizations are current and keep a copy of the veterinary records with you.
- Take a photo of your pet and keep it with you for identification purposes.
- Make a pet emergency kit. You should have enough pet food, bottled water and medications for three days. Also, pack cat litter and pan, manual can opener, food dishes, leash and collar, brush, blankets, a first aid kit and other supplies. A full list of items to include can be found online at www.Ready.Gov. Information also is available at www.Cal-cares,com and www.CDFA.ca.gov.
- If you plan to shelter in place, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Put all emergency supplies in that room ahead of time, including your pet’s crate and supplies.
- Consider checking with your local animal control agency or emergency management office now to determine if a pet-friendly shelter is available in your area. Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies.
- Make a buddy system with your friends or neighbors as a back-up emergency plan if you cannot care for your animals yourself. The buddy system will assure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
- Ensuring all animals have some form of identification.
- Evacuating animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
- Making sure vehicles and trailers for transporting animals as well as experienced handlers and drivers are available.
- Ensuring destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.