Santa Barbara County officials are reminding residents to include pets in their emergency plans during Pet Preparedness Month.
Disasters like wildfires, floods and earthquakes can be especially dangerous for animals. According to County officials, planning ahead could save your pet’s life.
Jackie Ruiz with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management said it starts with having an evacuation plan.
“During Pet Preparedness Month, we encourage folks to consider the particular needs of their animals in an emergency,” Ruiz said. “That means reflecting on, ‘what does it look like if you have to evacuate with them? What's the plan if you aren't home, but they are, during an evacuation order? If you are evacuating with your pets, where might you go?’”
Ruiz also suggests putting together a pet emergency kit with food, water, meds, a leash and comfort items.
“This can be a very simple task. You might have many of the things that you need for your go-kit at home already,” Ruiz said. “So, we just encourage you to take five minutes or less to consider your pets in your emergency plan this month.”
Microchips and licenses should also be kept up to date.
People with large animals like horses or goats are advised to evacuate early. You can also register them through the County’s livestock registry.
More information is at countyofsb.org.
