As the storm is expected to drag on across Southern California this week, we wanted to share pet a safety reminder for our WeHo fur families: Please keep your animals inside, with you, and never ever leave dogs tethered, penned outside, or even crated outdoors.
It’s important to stay vigilant as the bad weather stretches into multiple days. The NWS expects rain through Friday, with the strong possibility of flooding in some areas and near hurricane force wind gusts in others.
PETA’s Animal Rescue Team told WEHOonline they routinely see pets left outside to fend for themselves, even left behind during rushed evacuations. Animals can easily end up trapped by fast moving floodwater or debris, or traumatized simply by pouring rain, wind and noise and other sounds bad weather can make.
Definitely do not drive with pets during bad weather. It’s too easy to imagine getting in an accident and your animals also being injured, or them getting loose in the chaos of an accident. If you must drive, make sure you have their leash, harness and carrier readily available.
As unlikely as it is that residents in the flats will need to evacuate over flooding, it’s a good reminder not to leave these vulnerable creatures outside – in the rain. They get cold and uncomfortable quickly just like we would. The basic rule is simple. If you’re staying in, your pets should be inside, too.
Whether it’s rain, fire or earthquake, if you need to evacuate, plan ahead and plan it like you’d plan for your child. Know where you’re going ahead of time, and make sure pets are allowed. Don’t leave animals behind, expecting someone or some agency will rescue them. That’s not how this works.
I know it may seem obvious, but please remember whenever you travel to make sure your pets are secure, whether by carrier or car. Avoid letting your pet in the front seat. If an airbag deploys they can be injured or killed. And this one’s tough, but no matter how much they may love it, do not allow your pet to stick their head out the window. This can cause serious harm to their eyes. Use a carrier when you can, or a leash and harness if you can’t. Bring bowls, water, a towel, a blanket, a favorite toy, and enough food for about a week, in case you can’t get back right away.
It’s also worth checking to make sure their microchip info is updated: contact info, and a legible ID tag on the collar. It would suck to be scrambling in the rain at 2 a.m. worried you’ll never see them again. It’s also a good trick to place an air tag or other tracking device on/in their collar.
Finally, if you see an animal in trouble, take note of the exact location and call the police. If it’s urgent or dangerous, treat it like any other emergency and call 911.
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