You may be ready for the next emergency, but did you remember to prepare your pet too? The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) would like to remind Californians they have a role to play in disaster preparedness, not only with their family and neighbors, but also their pets.
MAKE A PLAN
One of the most important steps to ensuring your pets safety is to have a plan. To get started with pet preparedness plans, consider the type of animal you have, the risks and needs your pet might have and make sure each member of your family is familiar with the plan.
1) Create an Evacuation Plan that includes your Animals:
- Identify where you will take your pets, including alternate routes and locations.
- Create a contact list of shelters, boarding facilities, hotels, kennels, fairgrounds and equestrian centers.
- Contact these locations to determine their animal policies.
2) Review and Update Your Plan Often:
- Practice your plan with family members to ensure everyone understands their role.
- Refresh your pet emergency kit often, making sure that food and water are fresh, and medication is current.
- Confirm that your pet’s contact information is up to date.
PACK A GO-BAG
Having a Go-Bag can look different for animals than it does for people. Having a Go-Bag can help alleviate stress when a disaster strikes.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit for your pet. Items in the kit should include pet food, water, medications, veterinary records, blankets, toys, treats, etc.
- 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.
- For cats: litter box and litter
- For dogs: plastic bags for poop
- Keep a current photo of your pet.
Having a plan and a go-bag packed can help eliminate some of the stress of an emergency when you have a pet.
Additional pet preparedness resources: