CALAVERAS COUNTY      OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES      891 Mountain Ranch Road      San Andreas, CA 95249       (209) 754-6303   FAX (209) 754-6641

From: Clayton H. Hawkins Director/Chief Officer Release Date: September 6, 2001 Contact: Mary Pitto  Public Information Officer CALAVERAS COUNTY DARBY FIRE INFORMATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 From: Jearl Howard, Agricultural Commissioner Re: Advice for Pet Owners in the Vicinity of the Evacuated Areas The Calaveras County Animal Control is advising pet owners to prepare for the possible evacuation of their pets. Have a checklist ready for you and your pet in case you have to evacuate at a moment's notice. If you evacuate, take your pets. The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take them with you. If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets. Here are some tips you can do to prepare for evacuating your pets. KEEP EVERYTHING READY FOR YOUR PET Prepare a disaster kit that contains a carrier or leash for your pet. Take all medication and medical records with you. Have enough food and water for at least three days, blankets or towels for bedding, along with current photos and description of your pets in case you and your pet become separated. DON'T FORGET TO ID YOUR PETS Make sure every animal has durable and visible identification. Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. FIND A SAFE PLACE AHEAD OF TIME Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets, you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. This is especially true if you have livestock animals that can take much more time to evacuate.   If you need assistance to evacuate your pets, livestock or need to house them, please call the Calaveras County Animal Control at (209) 754-6509. to Calaveras County Government Services