As California braces for wind, flooding and other impacts of Hurricane Hilary, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urges the public to take steps to prepare their families, and pets too!
One of the most important steps to ensuring your pets safety is to have a plan. Consider the type of animal(s) you have, your pets’ needs and make sure each member of your family is familiar with the plan.
Create an evacuation plan that includes your animals:
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- Identify where you will take your pets, including alternate routes and locations.
- Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
- Create a contact list of shelters, boarding facilities, hotels, kennels, fairgrounds, and equestrian centers. Contact these locations to determine their animal policies.
- Review and update your plan often and confirm that your pet’s contact information is up to date.
Assemble a pet emergency kit and store it so it is easily accessible. Here are a few items to include:
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- A one-week supply of food, water, medications, and a first aid kit.
- Copies of medical and vaccination records, along with your veterinarian’s contact information.
- Current photos in case your pet becomes lost.
- A pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier).
- Make sure your pet has tags with current contact information.
Tips for larger animals:
- Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
- The CDFA Cares Programis actively engaged with local emergency managers to help families find animal shelters and other animal care resources.
- If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.
Remember, emergencies can be just as scary for animals as they are for humans and including them.
More pet preparedness resources:
CDFA – AHFSS – AHB – EPRS – CARES
Animal Preparedness | California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Ready.gov Pet and Animal Emergency Planning
Pet Safety in Emergencies | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC