LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2025 – Hundreds of pets were separated from their families during the recent wildfires. Many found their way back to their owners because they had microchips.

“Having your pet microchipped increases the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager for LA Animal Services. “The six LA Animal Services Centers located throughout the City offers microchipping for pets. The cost is $15 and you don’t need an appointment.” 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), lost dogs with microchips are returned to their owners at more than twice the rate of those without. For cats, the difference is even more striking: Only 1.8% of cats without microchips will ever return to their owners.  

Keep Pets Safe

With the first winter storm of the season arriving in Southern California, LA Animal Services reminds pet owners that being prepared and ready will help you, your family, and your pets stay safe in an emergency.

• Stay indoors in inclement weather. If not being asked to evacuate, stay indoors, and keep pets inside, when possible.

Ensure your pets are part of your family emergency plan. View the following tips to ensure you and your pets are safe and prepared for emergencies and evacuations:

• Make sure your pet is wearing a City dog license tag with up-to-date identification and is microchipped. Your dog should have a current City license, and your cat should be wearing a name tag with your contact information. Your dog, cat, bunny or horse’s microchip should be registered with your correct contact information. If you have moved, or changed phone numbers contact your microchip company to update your pet’s chip immediately. If you and your animal are separated, proper identification will help reunite the family! You can have your pet microchipped at any of our six shelters for $15.
   
• Create copies of important documents. A copy of your pet's records such as vaccination records, microchip information, photos of your pet, your contact information, friends/relatives contact information, any notes on feeding, medication and behavior should be kept offsite with a friend or family member, in Cloud storage. Tape a copy to a portable kennel.
   
• Train your pet to be comfortable in a portable kennel. If an emergency happens or you have to evacuate, this will help your pet feel safe and make it easier to transport them.
   
• Prepare an emergency kit. Put together a backpack or a rolling bag of emergency supplies (to last a week) for your pet such as food and water, treats, medications, toys and blankets. Make sure that perishable items are replaced every few months.
   
• Be ready to relocate pets, if necessary. Have crates and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets – making sure you have proper equipment for your furry friends to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seat belts, etc.).
   
• Find a safe place to stay ahead of time in case you have to evacuate. Identify hotels inside and outside your area that accept pets during emergency situations. If you cannot take your furry family member with you, identify boarding facilities nearby and outside of your area where you can take your pet. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date so that they can easily be admitted to pet hotels or boarding.