Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non‑spill containers. If possible, open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.

Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over‑eaten.

House cats and dogs separately, even if they normally get along.

After

Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Monitor your pets closely and keep them leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior.

Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, debris, and local wildlife.

If you find a pet, call animal control or any emergency phone numbers set up after the disaster. Isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner, or can be examined by a veterinarian.

IF YOU'VE LOST YOUR PET:

Visit each shelter in your area at least once every other day. You must check the shelter in person; you are the only person who can truly identify your animal. Keep a current photo of your pet showing or describing any distinctive markings.

Create a flyer with your pet's photo and description, pet's name, your name and phone numbers where you can be reached.

Disaster Preparedness for Bird and Reptile Owners

With a little advance planning,
you can save your pet's life
during a disaster.

Before

PHOTOGRAPHS AND IDENTIFICATION. Keep a current photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible. Birds should be leg‑banded.

MEDICAL AND VACCINATION RECORDS. Store these and other important documents in a zip‑lock or waterproof plastic bag. Your animals need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.

TRANSPORTATION. Each animal should have their own airline approved pet carrier. Normal cages may not be sturdy enough to hold your pet during a disaster. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency.

AQUARIUMS. Fish tanks and aquariums are very top heavy and unstable. They should be secured or bolted to the wall studs or placed on the floor to prevent them from toppling.

BUDDY SYSTEM. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your pet if you can't be located.

During

Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on the TV or radio.

Evacuate your livestock early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your stress.

Take all vaccination and medical records, identification, the Emergency disaster preparedness kit, and enough food and water for two weeks.

Call your destination to make sure space is still available.

Keep birds caged. They may sense danger and be difficult to capture. In cold weather, wrap a blanket around the carrier and warm up the car before placing animals inside.

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.

After

Check animals for injury and exposure to chemicals. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Monitor birds closely for several days after a disaster. Many commonly show signs of disease several days following a stressful episode. Consult a veterinarian immediately at any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, loose stool, depres­sion, injury, or sitting on a cage bottom.

If you have to move to new surroundings, do not remove your bird

from its cage until it is calm, then do so only in a closed room. Frightened birds may become aggressive or fly away.

Let your bird have plenty of uninterrupted sleep to re­cover from the stress and trauma. Birds will usually re­main calm in isolated, darkened areas with cages covered.

Disaster Preparedness for Horse Owners

Before

PLAN AHEAD. Determine the best place for animal confinement in case of a disaster. Find alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps are not working, or have a hand pump installed. You should have a minimum of three days' feed and water on hand.

EVACUATION. Decide where to take your horses if evacuation is necessary. Contact fairgrounds, equestrian centers, and private farms/stables about their policies and ability to take horses temporarily in an emergency. Have several sites in mind. Familiarize yourself with several evacuation routes to your destination.

IDENTIFICATION. This is critical! Photograph, identify, and inventory your horses. Permanent identification such as tattoos, brands, etched hooves or microchips are best. Temporary identification, such as tags on halters, neck bands, and duct tape with permanent writing will also work. Include your name and phone number. Keep identification information with you to verify ownership (breed registration papers may already have this information).

MEDICAL RECORDS AND VACCINATIONS. Your horses need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions, allergies, and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.

VEHICLES. Keep trailers and vans well‑maintained, full of gas, and ready to move at all times. Be sure your animals will load. If you don't have your own vehicles, make arrangements with local companies or neighbors before disaster strikes.

Evacuate your horses early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your stress.

Take all vaccination and medical records, your Disaster Preparedness Kit, and enough hay and water for three days.

Call your destination to make sure the site is still available.

After

Check fences to be sure they are intact. Check pastures and fences for sharp objects that could injure horses. Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris.

Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and animals can easily become confused or lost.

Beware of local wildlife that may have entered the area and could pose a danger.

If you find someone else's animal, isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner or can be examined by a veterinarian.

Always use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened horses. Work in pairs.

If you've lost a horse, contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, surrounding farms, and other facilities. Listen to the EAS for groups that may be accepting lost animals.

Check with your veterinarian and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch for information about possible disease outbreaks.

Disaster Preparedness for Livestock Owners

Before

PLAN AHEAD. Determine the best place for animal confinement in case of a disaster. Find alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps are not working or have a hand pump. You should have a minimum of three days feed and water on hand.

EVACUATION. Decide where to take animals if evacuation is necessary. Contact fairgrounds, other producers, and stockyards about their policies and ability to take livestock temporarily in an emergency. Have several sites in mind. Familiarize yourself with several evacuation routes to your destination.

IDENTIFICATION. This is critical! Photograph, identify, and inventory your animals. Permanent identification such as brands, tattoos, eartags, or microchips are best. Temporary identification, such as tags on halters, livestock markers, paint, and duct tape with permanent writing will also work. Include your name and phone number. Keep identification information with you to verify ownership.

MEDICAL RECORDS AND VACCINATIONS. Your animals need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.

During

Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on the TV or radio.

Evacuate your livestock early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your stress.

Take all vaccination and medical records, the disaster preparedness kit, and enough hay, feed, and water for three days.

Call your destination to make sure space is still available.

Use roads not in use for human evacuation when you transport your animals to your sheltering site.

If you must leave your animals, leave them in the preselected area appropriate for disaster type. Leave enough hay for 48 to 72 hours. Do not rely on automatic watering systems. Power may be lost.

After

Check pastures and fences for sharp objects, debris, and downed power lines that could injure livestock. Beware of local wildlife that may have entered the area and could pose a danger to your animals.

Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and animals can easily become confused and lost.

If you find someone else's animal, isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner or examined by a veterinarian. Always use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened horses or livestock.

If you've lost an animal, contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, surrounding farms, and other facilities. Listen to the EAS for groups that may be accepting lost animals.

Check with your veterinarian for information about possible disease outbreaks.

Disaster Preparedness for Restricted Species Owners

Before

PLAN AHEAD. Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could occur in your area. Develop a written contingency plan for each. The contingency plan should include a list of resources (suppliers, safe shelters, etc.), pre‑approved evacuation sites, emergency phone numbers, a contact person at the local animal control, and people who can help during an emergency. Keep the plan with your important papers. Designate another person, familiar with your contingency plan, to be in charge in your absence.

IMMOBILIZATION. Many restricted species require chemical immobilization to be safely transported. It is important that chemical immobilization drugs, immobilization equipment, and the expertise is readily available, if applicable.

FOOD AND WATER. You should have a minimum of three days feed and water on hand. If you have an electric water pump, be sure to have a hand pump in case power is lost.

MEDICAL RECORDS. Store these and other important documents in a zip‑lock or waterproof plastic bag. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian. Include your restricted species license.

TRANSPORTATION. Each animal should have a secure carrier or cage for transport. Familiarize your animal with the carrier or cage before an emergency, if possible. Primate cages should have locks to prevent the animal from escaping.

During

Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) on the TV or radio.

Make arrangements as soon as possible at your pre‑determined evacuation site to make sure space is still available. Evacuate your animals early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your and their stress.

Take all medical records, the Disaster Preparedness Kit, and enough food and water for three days.

If you must leave your animals at your facility, leave them in a safe area with enough food for three days. Take all identification/medical records and identification photos with you when you depart.

Immediately report any escapements to the Department of Fish and Game, local animal control, or the County Office of Emergency Services. Some restricted species could pose a threat to public safety and must be recaptured as soon as possible.

After

Check animals for injury and exposure to contaminated water. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Check your facility for structural damage. Check fences to be sure they are intact and secure. Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris.

Beware of local wildlife, including raccoons and skunks, that may have entered the area and could pose a danger to your animals.

Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and animals can easily become confused and lost.

If you find someone else's animal, call the County Office of Emergency Services or any emergency phone numbers set up after the disaster. Do not approach a potentially dangerous animal.

Check with your veterinarian and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch for information about possible disease outbreaks.

Disaster Preparedness Kits

Dogs and Cats

Birds and Reptiles

Horses

Livestock

Restricted

Species