Livermore, CA
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What to do Before, During & After an Emergency with your Pet(s)
What to do before an emergency to prepare my Pet:
When an emergency occurs, you will be asked to shelter in place or evacuate. It is important to prepare for both situations. Visit our comprehensive Pet Safety Guide for more information.
Prepare for a shelter in place:
- Select a room with:
- Few to no windows.
- No toxic chemicals or plants.
- No open areas that pets could get trapped.
- Keep vent and the bottom of heavy furniture covered.
If you are asked to evacuate, take these steps:
- Leave your home immediately.
- Take your pet(s), your emergency pet kit, and other essentials with you.
- Try to keep your pet(s) calm.
- Go to a safe and secure location.
- Listen to the authorities for further instructions.
What to do during an emergency to keep my pet safe:
In the time of an emergency, it is important to stay calm and rely on the plans that you have created and practiced. If you are away from home during an emergency while your pet(s) is/are at home, it is important to inform those that you trust of the situation and ask if they can help.
It is also important to make sure that your family is in a safe place away from danger during such a time.
Once you know you and your family are safe than do everything you can to make sure your pets are being taken care of as well.
In order to do this, you should call the emergency contacts such as your local animal control, police station, etc. to inform them of your pet(s) that were left at home.
What to do after an emergency with my pet(s):
Only return home if you are told it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to return home, find a place to stay temporarily and wait for further instructions from the public safety officials.
When do I return home?
- Check your home for sharp objects, spilled chemicals, and exposed wiring to protect your family and your pets from injury.
- If you find any of these hazards in your home, call the authorities ASAP.
- Watch your pets closely for unusual behavior.
- If your pet(s) are acting differently, are injured, and/or are sick take them to your veterinarian.
How do I find my lost pet?
- Make sure your family is in a safe location before searching for your pet(s).
- If you cannot find your pet, follow these steps:
- Call the shelters and organizations that might have your pet(s).
- The local humane society, animal welfare organization, local animal control, county or state animal response team.
- If your pet(s) have a microchip call your microchip company to let them know that your pet is missing.
- Create flyers and post them all over town.
- Call the shelters and organizations that might have your pet(s).