Los Angeles, CA– As Southern California braces for Hilary, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is urging all pet parents to prepare for extreme weather by checking disaster preparedness plans and pet to-go kits.

Please follow these tips to ensure the safety of your pets.

Prepare for your pets’ safety

• Microchip your dogs and cats and register the information with the microchip company.  Make sure they are wearing current ID tags at all times.
• Familiarize yourself with pet CPR, resuscitation, and general first aid. If roads are blocked, emergency services may not be available.
• Keep your pets current on vaccines. During a disaster, your pet may get lost or may be housed in a shelter with other animals, where they may be exposed to infectious diseases.
• Entrust a neighbor or friend to get your pets to safety, in case you are at work when a disaster strikes.
• Display an Animals Inside sign in windows and on doors, so responders know there are animals on the premises.
• If you must evacuate, take your pets with you and leave as early as you can. Remember to take your pet’s disaster preparedness kit.

Make a kit
In addition to the food, water and supplies you need for the people in your family make sure to include the following items for you pets in your disaster kit.

• Current photos of your pets, copies of vaccination records & veterinarian’s contact info
• Collars, leashes & carriers for your pets
• A minimum of three weeks’ supply of pet food & bottled water (plus bowls, can openers, etc.)
• Treats, toys, blankets & towels
• Pet First Aid Kit (should include: pet first aid book, antiseptic, topical ointment, dressing and any prescribed pet medications)
• Soft muzzle (some government evacuation vehicles/facilities may require for all dogs)
• Disposable baggies for dogs and/or cat litter, scooper & temporary litter box (like a disposable aluminum foil pan) for cats

During the storm

• Bring pets inside.
• Try to stay calm. If you display anxiety and stress, your pet may detect it.
• Secure exits and cat doors so pets cannot escape into the storm.
• Follow the safety guidelines recommended by government officials.