Include Pets in Emergency Plan
Letter to the editor

The recent wildfires were a reminder of how important it is that pet owners include their animals in emergency preparedness. The American Humane Association published a list of precautions to help pet owners create a plan for animal care.

• Designate a member of the family to be in charge of gathering the pets in case of fire or other emergency.
• Prepare an emergency kit of leashes, food, medicines, bottled water and a copy of vaccinations in a waterproof bag near your pet carrier.
• Make sure your pet’s collar has up-to-date emergency cell phone numbers on it.
• Have a list of shelters and boarding facilities that might take pets if evacuation is needed. Some evacuation centers will not take pets.
• Consider getting a sign for a front window or other means of alerting rescuers and emergency personnel that a pet resides there.

Annemarie Swenson
Mission Viejo