Rain and Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips
WINTER STORM ALERT: According to the National Weather Service, showers will be tapering off but some local heavy rain is still possible. The weekend is expected to be dry and warmer, however, a strong Santa Ana wind event is expected Monday with some lingering winds into Tuesday. A chance of rain will develop around New Year's Day. Click here to be storm ready and to get the latest updates from the City.
If it's too cold for you, it's also too cold for your furry friend. Living in Los Angeles, pet owners know the dangers hot weather can bring to our furry friends and to never leave pets alone in their cars. Cold weather also poses serious threats to our animal friends. Here are some tips to keep you and your pets safe in cold weather:
- Do not leave your companion animal alone in the car. Not only is it dangerous, it is now illegal in California. A cold vehicle can act like a freezer in cold weather. Senate Bill 1806 which became law January 1, 2007, says no animal may be left unattended in a vehicle under conditions that “endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.” Pet owners who leave their animals unattended under dangerous conditions could face fines, jail time or both.
- Stay indoors in inclement weather. If not being asked to evacuate, stay indoors, and keep pets inside, when possible.
- Emergency preparedness mean preparing our pets too. Ensure your pets are part of your family emergency plan.
- Ensure your dog is wearing an LA City dog license and that your pet is microchipped. A microchip on your pet with your current contact info will ensure a happy reunion should you and your animal companion become separated. You can get your pet microchipped at any of our six LA Animal Services Centers for $15. No appointment needed.
LA Animal Services in the Field
LA Animal Services Animal Control Officers are ready to respond to any evacuation or rescue in the event of any incident in the community.
For more information about LA Animal Services and tips to keep pets and people safe, visit laanimalservices.com/emergency-preparedness.
Stay Up-to-Date on the City's Rainstorm Updates
The National Weather Service is providing updated weather information at www.weather.com. For the latest storm updates and available resources, including fire station locations with sand/sandbags, visit the City of LA's page on Rain Readiness.
Finding Your Lost Pet
Should you and your pet become separated, utilize Petco Lost Love and other social media platforms for a happy reunion, like LA City Lost and Found Pets, Nextdoor.com, or Pawboost.com where you can upload a photo and description of your pet. You may also use the Lost Pet Search on the LA Animal Services website.
The six LA Animal Services Centers are open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 8am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sundays, from 11am to 5pm. Centers are closed on Mondays and City-observed holidays.
