Hi Everyone,
I am getting an abundance of calls for people needing help with their animals when they have been evacuated or received evacuation warnings due to the fires.
Here is some good emergency response advice for you and your pets.
Unfortunately, fire season seems to be the new norm as the 5th season here in Northern California. With that said, disaster preparedness is the key to successful safety for you and your animals. When we are at risk for fires, floods and earthquakes, having a list of numbers to call as well as a friendly reminder for things you need to pack quickly or have packed will reduce your stress under these challenging times.
Know where to go:
Knowing which direction you can flee and find accommodations for you and your pets will be a good first start. For example living in Lake County you may want to evaluate accommodations in Santa Rosa, Ukiah, and Woodland to name a few. Call and see which Motels and lodging facilities are pet friendly if you plan to take your pet to the motel with you. If not, look up Pet lodging at the above mentioned locations.
Please keep in mind, pet care and lodging facilities do differ.
Some are ‘pet resorts’ that are usually for very social dogs that offer cage free options, play and other amenities. Usually costs a little more, but if your pets enjoy the company of other dogs and people this might be a good option.
Kennels are for the most part private sleeping quarters in which there may be individual walks or play time offered during the day.
Private pet sitters will also open up their homes to dogs, cats, birds, and other animals. For example Rover.com
Vet clinics offer boarding as well.
Some facilities cater only to dogs, some to cats, and some with cater to a diverse variety of pets in separate housing areas.
All boarding facilities are required are offer services to vaccinated healthy animals.
Some insurance companies will offer reimbursement for pet boarding in the event emergency boarding becomes a necessity. Call them and inquire.
What to have handy:
Make sure you have your vaccine records. (If they are not up to date call your vet and see if you can get them in for a quick booster if you have time. There are even some vaccines you can give yourself that you can purchase at your local pet store.)
Consider micro-chipping your dogs. (As well as activating the service.)
Check your pets’ tags. Are they legible? They do wear out after time. (No tags and no time? Write their name and your number on duck tape with a sharpie and apply to their collar or harness.)
- Pet food
- Pet snacks
- Pet bed or blanket
- A crate or kennel. (Most pet friendly lodging facilities will require this.)
- Pet bowls. (Clean poop bags can provide as a water receptacle in the event you don’t have a bowl.)
- Collars, leashes, and harnesses. (Harnesses are best in emergent situations. Dogs can wriggle out of collars if they are frightened and pull away.)
- Medications.
Have a plan ready if disaster strikes and you are not home. Place a, ‘pets inside’ sticker on your door or window.
In the event you must leave without your pets, leave food and water outside for them to access if they are able to safely return on their own accord.
Take a picture of your pets so that they can be properly identified if they are picked up by rescue people and or impounded.
In the event a local shelter is an option, the American Red Cross should be able to provide you with pet friendly shelters. (I have heard Covid is possibly creating some difficulties for opening some anticipated shelters. So know before you go.)
Be safe and be prepared.
Helpful phone numbers
- American Red Cross 1 800-733-2767
- Animal Control of Lake County 1 707-263-0278
- LEAP Lake County Emergency Animal
- Clearlake Animal Control 1 707-994-8251
Your local Facebook pages are good resources for lost and found pets as well as emergency update information.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com
Make it a Pawsitive Day!
Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
