National Emergency Preparedness Month

Posted on 09/24/2026

National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and LA Animal Services wants to make sure your furry four-legged friends are part of your family emergency plan. Here’s a checklist to create a family emergency preparedness plan.

Plan where you and your pet will stay in case you need to evacuate your home.

Prepare an emergency kit. Put together a bag of emergency supplies for your pet such as food and water for several days, treats, medications, toys, and blankets. Make sure that perishable items are replaced every few months.

Create copies of important documents for your animal such as vaccination records, microchip information, photos of your pet, your contact information, friends/relatives contact information, notes on feeding, medication, and behavior. Keep a copy off-site with a friend or family member, in digital storage, and tape a copy to a portable kennel.

Make sure you have the proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seat belts, etc.).

Have your entire family, including your furry family members, practice evacuating so everyone knows what to take, where to find the pets, and where to meet.

To see the complete checklist, click here.