SANTA BARBARA —In times of emergency, it is important to not only prepare your family for evacuation, but also keep in mind the safety of your pets, big and small. The recent Sherpa Fire forced the evacuation of animals from homes and ranches. Fortunately, the Santa Barbara Humane Society’s Technical Rescue Team played an instrumental role in efficiently transporting horses from a threatened ranch to the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
“The best way to protect your family and pets from a disaster is to have a plan in place,” said Peggy Langle, Santa Barbara Humane Society Executive Director. “Being prepared can save your pets’ lives. If you must evacuate, you need to evacuate your pets, too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind, then it’s not safe to leave pets behind.”
With Santa Barbara County in the midst of a dangerous fire season, the Santa Barbara Humane Society would like to share some tips to help you prepare for a disaster:
1. Make sure your pets are wearing current ID tags with your cell phone number in case they become lost or separated from you. It is also important to microchip your pets in case they are picked up by your local animal control agency and they don’t have their tags.
2. Include provisions for your pet in your evacuation kit, such as food, water, a harness and leash, and carrier or crate with bedding. Also bring their medications, vaccination records, and a first aid kit. If they eat canned food, don’t forget a can opener as well.
3. Have a current photo and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case they get lost.
4. Find a safe place to bring them ahead of time. The Santa Barbara Humane Society, located at 5399 Overpass Road, accepts pets in the event of a county-wide emergency. There are also lists of pet friendly hotels online at www.bringfido.com.
5. When you evacuate, take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind – if it isn’t safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. It is better to evacuate early rather than waiting for a mandatory evacuation order. In some cases emergency officials will not allow you to go back for your pets if the danger is too great.
6. If you own large animals such as horses or livestock, have a plan in place for how they will be evacuated and where they will go. If you are unable to take all of your animals in an emergency, coordinate with County Animal Services for assistance. Their hotline number in an emergency is (805) 681-4332.
*Content courtesy of Humane Society of the US.
For more information about the Santa Barbara Humane Society adoptions, boarding, clinic and other services, visit www.sbhumanesociety.org, or call (805) 964-4777.
About Santa Barbara Humane Society: The Santa Barbara Humane Society is dedicated to the welfare of animals and strives to provide a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats until we are able to find forever homes for them. Since 1887, the Santa Barbara Humane Society has provided service to the people and animal populations of Santa Barbara County, and is proud to be one of the three oldest agencies in California dedicated to animal welfare. The Santa Barbara Humane Society occupies a five-acre site on Overpass Road, serving the community with a shelter, animal adoption services, a spay and neuter clinic, humane education center, boarding kennels, large animal holding center and corral, and inspection and rescue services. For more information, visit sbhumanesociety.org or call (805) 964-4777. Find Santa Barbara Humane Society on Facebook and Instagram.