TRAINING - LARGE ANIMAL EVACUATION

Posted on 01/25/2025

The best way to handle any emergency or disaster is by being prepared. Plan ahead and ensure your pet is part of your family emergency plan.

An unpredictable emergency situation can happen at any time. Making a plan to be as ready as possible will help all of your family members, two-legged and four-legged alike, be safe for any emergency.

Be ready for any natural disaster or emergency situation with these tips and by using this Emergency Plan Checklist.

Horse And Large Animal Emergency Preparedness

Make sure your horse is identifiable with a bracelet and microchip. Despite your best efforts, your horse may run off or be separated from you. An ID bracelet can be purchased online or you can make your own with your contact information. Place the bracelet around the horse’s back foot. A microchip can be scanned and easily locate you through a database. The odds will be much better for reuniting you and your horse!

Plan for an evacuation. Train your horse to load into a trailer.

Identify alternate ways that you can trailer and/or walk your horse(s) to nearby stables or other designated safety zones.

Pre-arrange for boarding at stables outside the City of Los Angeles, if possible. LA Animal Services can only provide evacuation sheltering for equines at Los Angeles Fire Department-identified mandatory evacuation areas. You, as the animal owner, are responsible to plan ahead and find alternative stables that can accept your animal in case of evacuation orders.

Have a surplus of feed available. Don’t let yourself get down to the last bale when disaster strikes.

Have an emergency three-day supply of water available (use drums or barrels).

Keep a leather halter near the corral that’s easy to find for emergency responders in case you are not able to evacuate your horses yourself. A nylon halter is not recommended because it can cause serious burns.

Never turn your horse or livestock loose during a wildfire. You do not know how they will react and they could be dangerous to you or others. If you have to evacuate without your animals, keep them in a safe fenced paddock until the threat passes or emergency help arrives.

The Sylmar Neighborhood Council's Equestrian Committee meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Sylmar Neighborhood Council office at 13521 Hubbard Street Sylmar, CA 91342