Are your pets part of your family’s emergency plans?
If not, this is the perfect time to add them. June is Pet Preparedness Month.
Disasters are unpredictable but having a plan in place and practicing it with your family and pets makes it easier to navigate an evacuation in a short period of time.
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The California Animal Emergency Response System, or CARES, recommends taking your pets with you, if practical, if you have to evacuate.
Just like the human members of your family, your pets should also have easily accessible go bags, stocked with essentials, including seven days of food and water, medications, and important documents, like vaccination records and pet licenses.
An extra leash, collar and up-to-date tag are also recommended, along with favorite toys and collapsable food and water bowls. A crate or carrier, with your information on it, also are important to include.
Here are more Pet Preparedness tips:
- Bring your pets indoor at the first sign of a potential disaster so they are accounted for if you need to evacuate.
- If your pets are microchipped, make sure the information is up to date.
- Create a pet first aid kit. You can find a Spanish language version here.
- Find out in advance where you can take pets.
- Keep a picture of you and your pet on your smartphone to help with identification and reunification.
- Keep vaccinations up to date.
- Here is general disaster information if you own horses and in the event of flooding.
- Here are tips for helping your pet after a disaster.