Pets

Do you have a family pet emergency preparedness plan? Visit Community Animal Response and Evacuation Group for valuable information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable when a disaster happens.

Visit Ventura County Animal Regulation’s website for more information on disaster planning for livestock, pets and other small animals.

Planning for an Emergency

  • Store enough food and water to last for 72 hours, preferably for one week.
  • Manual can opener and plastic lid.
  • Litter/litter box.
  • Plastic bags for cat litter disposal and dog clean-up.
  • Blankets or towels.
  • Recent photos of your pet.
  • Prepare a shelter or evacuation kit for your pet, including an unbreakable dish, current vaccination records, a restraint (sturdy leash or pet carrier) and medication with instructions.

Prepare a first aid kit for your pet and include large and small bandages, elastic tape, scissors, tweezers, cotton swabs, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting or to clean deep wounds), eye wash (saline), ear cleaning solutions (chlorhexidem, epi-otic), and any special medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Keep your pet’s license current and make sure that a collar and identification tag are worn at all times.

During an Emergency

The primary emergency contact for Thousand Oaks residents regarding their pets is the Agoura Shelter, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. During an emergency, special information regarding the care and rescue of animals may be obtained by calling (818) 991-0071. If telephone lines are busy due to an emergency, visit the shelter personally.

Residents searching for pets that have been lost due to an emergency should also contact or visit Ventura County Animal Regulation at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo. The telephone number is (805) 388-4341.

In case of an evacuation, Red Cross shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of back-up arrangements, such as homes of friends and family, hotels that allow pets, boarding facilities, vet hospitals, and/or animal shelters.

It is generally not recommended that you leave your pet behind in an emergency, but if you must, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety: Post a highly visible sign in a window to alert rescue workers as to how many pets were left behind; leave plenty of clean water in a large open container that cannot be tipped over; leave food in timed feeders (available at pet stores); do not tie or cage your pet – chances of survival are greater if it can escape easily.