Seasonal & Emergency Preparedness for Animal Owners

Emergency Preparedness for Livestock Owners

Bluemont Community Center, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., 
Sunday, April 21, 2024 

Join Loudoun County Animal Services as we discuss emergency preparedness for livestock owners. Join our Humane Law Enforcement officers to learn about steps you can take to be ready for anything from minor issues trailering and around the farm, to storms, fires and other emergency situations. Learn about the Technical Large Animal Rescue program, Operation Protect Livestock and other county programs that can help you keep your livestock safe.

There is no cost to attend this program. This program is open to all ages but the suggested age is 16+, attendees under 18 years of age must attend with a parent and/or guardian.

General Information

Every family should have a personal disaster plan, and Loudoun County Animal Services urges all families to remember their pets and livestock in their plans. All owners should have provisions for their pets in case of emergency. Ready.Gov provides helpful information:

Evacuation

The most important thing to remember is that if you have to evacuate, take your pets with you. Even if you think you will only be gone for a couple of hours, conditions can change quickly in an emergency, and you may find that you are unable to return home. Be prepared with a list of places where you and your pet are welcome in an emergency. Here are some resources:

  • Ask friends or family outside your immediate area if they could help shelter your pets during a crisis.
  • Call local veterinary clinics and boarding kennels and determine their status in emergencies.
  • There are several pet-friendly hotels throughout Loudoun County. Visit PetsWelcome for more information.
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Supply Kit

The next step in proper planning for an emergency is to make sure you also have an emergency / disaster supply kit for your pet. Be sure to include a two-week supply of:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Medications
  • A sturdy collar and leash with pet ID
  • A good sized carrier or crate.
  • A photo of your pet (face and body)
  • Vaccination records and contact information for your veterinarian
  • Litter and a box for cats. Consider pre-lined disposable boxes for ease of travel
  • Toys, blankets and treats to help relieve stress

Proper Identification

Should you and your pet become separated during an emergency, it is critical to ensure that your pet has proper identification. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags for proof of rabies vaccination, license (if applicable), and your name and phone number. Use your cell phone number so that you can be contacted even if you are not at home.

Microchipping

Also, consider having your pet microchipped. Microchipping is a safe, permanent way of identifying your pet should they ever be found without a collar. Cats are especially vulnerable as they often wear break away collars which can be lost. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin in the area around the shoulders through a needle. The procedure is no more invasive than a vaccination shot and requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Most veterinarians perform microchipping for a small fee. Once implanted, the number on the chip can be read by a scanner (similar to a bar code scanner) at animal shelters or veterinary clinics. The number can then be traced back to the owner so that they can be reunited with their pet.

Additional Resources for Pet Owners