2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003/2002

Residents Encouraged to Include Animals in
Emergency Preparedness Plans
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As fire season begins, El Dorado County Animal Services is reminding residents to include their pets and livestock in emergency response plans.  “There are some very basic, but important things people can do to ensure that their animals are safe in an emergency situation,” said Lt. Warren Chandler, Supervising Animal Services Officer.

According to Candler, one of the reasons that few animal lives were lost during the Angora Fire two years ago was that most people took their animals when they evacuated.  “This is the single most important thing a pet owner can do to protect their animals in an emergency,” said Candler.  “Another important way to protect animals is to make sure they are licensed and microchiped so that they can be easily identified and returned to the owners.”

Home emergency preparedness kits should also include items for animals, according to Candler.  The pet emergency pack should include:

• Enough food, water and medications for each pet for up to five days.
• A copy of veterinary and medical records as well as a current license.  (Vaccinations should be kept current, especially rabies.)
• An air crate, kennel or cat carrier for each animal.
• Plastic bags for waste disposal.
• A blanket, bed and leash.
• Current photos and description of animals, as well as, some form of identification attached to the animal.

Large animals such as livestock and horses have unique shelter and transportation needs because of their size.  “There may be limited time to evacuate,” said Candler.  “So it is important that owners of livestock have an adequate number of trailers on hand or close by to transport the animals, have food on hand and establish predetermined locations to site these animals.”

Candler also suggests that, as part of home emergency response plans, pet owners set up a buddy system.  This is particularly important for commuters who have to travel out of the county for work.  Arrangements can be made in advance with a family member or trusted neighbor to help evacuate animals if the owner isn’t home during an evacuation order.

Since the 1990s, El Dorado County Animal Services has been a key player in emergency and disaster situations.  Animal Services regularly responds to the scene of fires, mudslides and other emergencies in the county where animals may need to be evacuated or rescued, and has a close working relationship with local fire agencies and law enforcement.  “But even with this great network of response partners, pet owners will always remain the most important link in the effective evacuation of pets and livestock in our county,” said Candler.

For more information on disaster planning for all types of animals, please visit the Humane Society of the United States’ website at www.hsus.org.  For more information about Animal Services programs in El Dorado County, as well as tips to protect your pets during fire season, visit www.edcgov.us/animalservices.