Act now to ensure pets stay safe in emergency

All pets should be identified with tags and, preferably, microchips.

In an emergency, dogs tend to bolt and cats tend to hide. Be prepared for unusual behavior. If your dog behaves erratically when Fourth of July fireworks go off, expect much more of the same during a quake or fire.

Keep on hand a pet first aid kit, with disinfectant, bandages, tweezers and antibiotic ointment.

Store a week’s worth of pet food, and periodically check its expiration date. Canned food will keep longer than dry. Make sure to have plenty of extra water, more than you think you’ll need. Pets (and people) drink more when under stress.

Have bowls, leash, can opener, medicine, pet toys and plenty of cat litter, plastic bags or other cleanup gear ready to use.

Train your pets to ride in a car, perhaps in a pet carrier. Remember, if you must evacuate your home, not all hotels and motels allow pets. Make a list of those near your area that do.

Reassure your pet, calmly and often. It’s good for both of you. Pets take their cues from their humans. If you’re panicked, they will be, too.

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle 2020 Displaced by by wildfires, Marie Stefanesko and granddaughter Lily Katznelson comfort their dog, Jack, outside their room at the Beach Street Inn and Suites in Santa Cruz while waiting for evacuation orders to be lifted in August 2020.