Veterinary Public Health


Pet Health Calendar
Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Disaster Preparedness Tips for the Whole Family
Are you prepared for an Emergency or Disaster?
The ASPCA recommends using a rescue sticker alert to let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household and your veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets) write "EVACUATED" across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.
One easy step to take is to make Emergency Kits for the whole family, including your pets.
Emergency Kit for People
 Water
 Food
 First Aid Kit
 Medications
 Tools and other supplies (Fire extinguisher, flashlight, etc.)
 Cash
 Important Records/Documents
 Visit Ready.gov for more ideas for your kit
Emergency Kit for Pets
 Water
 Food
 First Aid Kit
 Medications
 Make sure your pet has an ID tag and microchip
 Vaccination, licensing, and other medical records
 A picture of you and your pet together
 Carrier or crate for each pet
 Other supplies (bowls, leash, litter box, toys, etc.)
What should you do during a disaster?
There are many different types of emergencies and disasters, visit the American Red Cross to learn more. They have excellent Apps for your smart phone including a Wildfire App and Earthquake App.

If you are able, bring your pets inside immediately. If you know severe weather is coming, bring you pets in as early as possible to prevent them from injury or running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm. Separate your pets (cats, dogs, pocket pets) even if they normally get along. The situation may cause animals to act aggressively or defensively. Have newspapers or other products for sanitary purposes. Canned or moist food may be fed so they will need less water to drink.
Do you know what you should do if you have to evacuate?
Pets are an important part of your family and animals are affected by disasters and emergencies too. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you. Pets may not survive if you leave them behind. Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information. If you are evacuating to a public shelter, service animals are allowed, pets may be allowed in co-location shelters, but many shelters will not allow pets inside. Plan in advance for alternatives like pet-friendly family members or friends outside the disaster area or pet-friendly hotels found at pets-allowed-hotels.com and petswelcome.com. Horse owners should identify in advance how they will trailer their horses to safety in an emergency. Bird owners should make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.
Remember, after a disaster or emergency, wherever you are always leash or secure your pets as they may be confused in new surroundings and there may be new dangers like downed power lines or displaced wildlife. The behavior of your pet may change during and after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely in a secured area with access to shelter and water.

Quick Links to other Animals & Disasters pages
Animals & Disasters - Intro Page
Pet Wellness and Safety Before Disasters
Pet First Aid & CPR
Disaster Preparedness for Veterinarians
Emergency Resources & Links

Videos
Pet Preparedness Video from the County of San Diego (0:57)

Last updated: January 6, 2020
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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