By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–San Diego County Animal Services is working to ensure residents are prepared to protect their pets in an emergency such as wildfires.
Through community outreach efforts, the department offers vital information and training to help pet owners be ready for disasters.
Animal Services staff have already participated in three emergency response and preparedness fairs, where they provided valuable guidance and resources on pet disaster preparedness. In addition, they have conducted six comprehensive training sessions for about 70 dedicated volunteers. These sessions covered crucial skills, including large animal handling, loading and unloading, scouting, trailer driving, and overall management during a disaster.
County experts emphasize the importance of planning for all family members, including pets and livestock. They recommend creating a thorough evacuation plan and assembling essential supplies ahead of time. This includes ensuring household pets have necessities such as food, water, a crate or carrier, a leash, medications, copies of current veterinary records, and recent photographs. A full list of items that should be included in your pets’ emergency kits is available from the County.
In the event of an evacuation, Animal Services strongly advises against leaving pets behind. Residents may not be able to return home for an extended period, and structural damage to properties could allow pets to escape or be exposed to other dangers. Early evacuation, when possible, is crucial to ensure the safety of all animals.
For livestock, the department underscores the importance of preparation and practice, as moving large animals like horses can be time-consuming and challenging.
To safeguard pets, the County recommends that all pets wear a collar with identification and emergency contact information. Microchipping is also advised, as it offers a reliable way to reunite pets with their owners if they become separated. Microchipping services are available at the County’s Animal Services shelters.
By taking these simple steps, San Diego County residents can ensure that their entire family, including their pets, is ready to face unexpected emergencies like wildfires, earthquakes, or floods.
