Pets and Disasters

Emergency game plan for your animals
What to do in the case of fire, flood or earthquake

Additional information:
Pet Evacuation
Pet Emergency Supplies
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Disaster Preparedness Quiz

Pets are family. Do not leave your pets behind in a disaster. You may not be able to get back to your home for several days or even weeks.

Prepare in advance.
Make sure your pet's ID tag is up to date with accurate information including a list of veterinarians and medications if  required.

Pet emergency supplies may include the following:
• sturdy pet carrier
• leash
• food and water for at least three days
• non-spill bowl
• recent photo of you with your pet
• blankets
• paper towels
• leash
• portable litter box and litter. Also clean up bags.
• A first aid kit with basic supplies such as hydrogen peroxide, Q-tips,                   tweezers, scissors eye wash (saline) large and small bandages
Click here to read more about what you might include with your pet emergency supplies.

Remember to  be patient with your pets in a disaster. Pets get stressed just as people do and they need time to readjust.

Pets are not allowed in shelters so make arrangements now with friends and relatives outside the canyon who will take your pets in the event of a disaster.

During a disaster stray animals will be handled and received by our TCEP pet disaster team in conjunction with animal control. All stray pets will be vaccinated at the owners expense unless proof of vaccination is  provided. So again prepare in advance, secure copies of your pets vaccinations and make sure they are up to date.

Topanga Animal Rescue and the Animal Hotline are run and funded by  Susan Alice Clark, veterinary nurse here in the canyon.  Susan provides pet nursing and pet minding services to canyon residents.  The funds raised are used to support her animal rescue activities here in the canyon. Susan also heads the T-CEP disaster PET team here in the canyon. Volunteers are always needed. If you have animal handling skills or organizing or communication skills, please call the T-CEP hotline at 310 455-3000  to volunteer.