Long Beach residents with four-legged family members, take note: June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and the city has planned a series of events aimed at helping pet owners get their furry friends ready for emergencies. In an initiative led by Long Beach’s Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications in partnership with Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) and local partners, the city will be providing free resources, and conducting events all month long to promote pet safety, as per a statement by the City of Long Beach.
Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of including pets in preparedness plans, stating, “Pets are a cherished part of the family, and it’s essential to ensure they are included in our emergency preparedness plans.” The scheduled events kick off with California's "Adopt-a-Pet" Day on Saturday, where, aside from waived pet adoption fees, new pet parents will receive a complimentary pet emergency kit.
Following is the "Paws & Prepare: Beach Day" set for June 14 at Rosie’s Dog Beach, featuring an agility course and a mix of giveaways and preparedness materials. The city is also supporting pet health with a vaccine clinic at Petco on June 17, and a mobile wellness clinic by the Community Animal Medicine Project on June 26, both accompanied by disaster preparedness staff to offer tips and emergency resources for pet owners.
Moreover, the city recommends steps for pet emergency preparedness, including securing pets with up-to-date ID, maintaining easily accessible veterinary records, and creating a pet emergency kit complete with items like food, water, and sanitation essentials. "Pets experience disasters differently than pet parents," acknowledged Reginald Harrison, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications. He stressed the disorienting effect emergencies can have on animals and the significance of advanced planning for family and pets alike.
For ongoing tips and resources, residents are encouraged to follow @LBDisasterPrep on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, throughout the month.
