How to keep your pets safe during disasters

I’m hoping by the time this is published, the wildfires around Southern California are contained or extinguished completely. But the region is experiencing drought conditions, and we who live in this area are living in a tinderbox. It’s best to be prepared.

Best Friends Animal Society emphasized that if emergency officials say to evacuate, do it right away, especially with pets in the house. Corralling the cat might be particularly difficult, as Dick Van Dyke could tell you, so have a plan for that.

“Whether you are told to evacuate or to shelter in place, the best way to prepare for any type of emergency is to have a plan, for you and your family members, including your pets,” said Sharon Hawa, Best Friends senior manager of Emergency Services. “Identify beforehand where you'll go, what you'll need to bring, so that you can have peace of mind that you have what you and your pets need to get by for several days during a potentially chaotic time.”

Best Friends urges pet owners to create a disaster-preparedness plan and a “go-bag” for pets in case an emergency occurs, to be prepared for several days. The kit should include:

• A pet first aid kit, including an extra supply of any necessary medications, current vaccination records, a list of the pet’s medical needs and veterinarian’s number
• A three-to-five-day supply of wet and/or dry food (and water, if possible)
• Pet toys and treats
• A collar with a current ID tag or microchip that includes your cell phone number [Note: Disasters are the best reasons to get your pet microchipped.]
• A crate labeled with the pet’s name and contact information (use masking tape and a permanent marker)
• A cover for the crate like a light sheet or towel to block the smoke and help the pet remain calm
• A well-worn sweater or sweatshirt inside the crate so the pet has a familiar scent around them
• Extra poop bags
• For cats, a small bag of litter and litter pan
• Blanket and towels
• Bowl, can opener and spoon

As an added note and a tip of the cat ears to Best Friends, the organization’s West LA Pet Adoption Center took in 12 cats and five dogs from Pasadena Humane on Jan. 8. The intake provided immediate relief to humans and pets affected by the Eaton fire while their families are under evacuation orders.

“By bringing adoptable cats and dogs to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center, space becomes available for Pasadena-area residents to keep their animals safe,” the organization said in a press release. “Once at our center, the pets will be looking for loving foster homes where they can decompress and receive lifesaving care.”

Friends of Long Beach Animals is matching donations to Pasadena Humane through this Venmo link.

If you need emergency boarding for your own best friends, access this link for Los Angeles County.

This article has been updated to include donation information.