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.
   

LOS ANGELES, January 20, 2025 – During the past week, LA Animal Services has seen how our community, rescue organizations and other municipal shelters can come together to help animals and the people who love them. We are grateful to be part of this animal-loving commuinty.

LA Fire Evacuation Animal Services Hotline: 213-270-8155

For pets missing or in distress in evacuation zones, please use the LA Fire Evacuation Animal Services Hotline: 213-270-8155. You will be prompted to answer key questions about your pet, their possible locations and needs. A care team of certified Animal Control Officers from LA Animal Services and surrounding municipal jurisdictions will be dispatched to seek animals needing assistance. You will be notified once the care team has visited the property.

Reporting/Inquiring about Missing Pets in Evacuation Zones

In order to keep Angelenos safe, law enforcement is only allowing certified Animal Control/Humane Officers from LA Animal Services into evacuation order zones. LA Animal Services encourages all members of the public to utilize the LA Fire Evacuation Animal Services Hotline at 213-270-8155 for inquiries about their missing pets. Palisades Fire Unified Incident Command is announcing limited re-entry to some evacuation zones for residents only. Curfews remain in effect in these areas and law enforcement will be verifying addresses at checkpoints. Visit the City of Los Angeles’ re-entry information for zones that are allowing re-entry and for guidance about how to stay safe when you return to an area impacted by wildfire. More information on re-entry here.