Earthquake Preparedness For CA Pet Owners

CALIFORNIA — In the last few weeks, California's been shaken up with hundreds of foreshocks, aftershocks and every kind of earthquake in between. While the Golden State continues to brace itself for "The Big One," preparing for earthquakes is key.

It's important to include your furry friends in your disaster preparedness plan. Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director of Los Angeles-based Michelson Found Animals Foundation developed a list of tips to make sure pets are reunited with their owners if they are separated after an earthquake:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag with current information, and that he wears his collar/id tag all the time, even when indoors.
2. Make sure your pet is microchipped, since an ID tag could come off or become damaged during an emergency. A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is inserted under your pet’s skin and contains an identification number that can be scanned by a shelter or veterinarian.
3. Double check that your pet’s microchip is registered and contains the correct name and your current phone number and address, otherwise there’s no easy way to reach you if they’re found! If your pet is chipped but not registered, you can register for free here.
4. Vaccinate to reduce their risk of sickness and disease in unknown conditions during an emergency.
5. Have a pet emergency kit with gauze, bandages, food, immunization records, microchip information and vet and emergency contact information.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance also recommends a crate or carrier, blankets, a food and water bowl, current photo of your pet, medical records, medication, kitty litter or poop bags and basic cleaning supplies.

If you find a lost pet after a disaster, approach the animal with extreme care and check for an ID tag. Post a description and photo of the animal on Nextdoor, Facebook, Craigslist and Petfinder to try to find the owner. Then, take the animal to your local shelter to get them scanned for a microchip – if the pet is chipped and the registry information is up-to-date, they have the best opportunity to be quickly reunited with their pet owner, Gilbreath said.

If you lose a pet after a disaster, don't endager yourself trying to find your animal in a disaster situation. Instead, check sites like Nextdoor, Facebook, Craigslist and Petfinder and then visit local shelters as soon as you are able to.