Pets & Animals in Distress knows the importance on how to help protect your pets in case of fires, hurricanes, floods or any natural disaster crisis that may fall upon us at anytime, as seen on TV in the ongoing California fires that are still burning out of control with over 1800 homes that have been destroyed. So many people and pets have been evacuated and left homeless that they really don't know how many - probably between 500,000 to a million.

The news from Southern California just keeps getting worse. But one of the bright spots is that after massive disasters like Hurricane Katrina, pet-owners and civic authorities are better prepared to handle evacuations of people with their pets. This is important not only for the animals, but because if their is anything previous disasters have taught us, it is that many people will risk their lives rather than leave their pets to the fates.

If your not facing a catastrophe right now, remember that you could be. Now is the time to prepare, not when a fire is rolling over the hill or a hurricane is coming in quickly.

Wildfires raging from Santa Barbara to San Diego have forced Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency for seven southern California counties. Pets & Animals in Distress strongly urges all pet owners in the path of the fires to plan ahead for the safety of their animal companions.

Strong winds and dry conditions have fed the fires that have already forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. If the area is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. Information regarding pet and large animal evacuation centers is being widely broadcast on local television and radio outlets. No animal needs to be left behind as long as they can be transported.

San Diego is the headquarters for Petco and they and other businesses have been very generous. There are pallets of dog and cat food at both Qualcomm Stadium and the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Plus, the majority of pet owners seemed to leave more prepared this time and brought many supplies with them.

The failure to plan for your pets' safety can lead to tragedy. During Hurricane Katrina residents were forced to abandon dogs, cats and other animals by the tens of thousands. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to ensure that your pets will not be left in a dangerous situation.

Pets & Animals in Distress strongly suggests that all pet owners have an emergency supply kit for their pets, including:

• A three-day supply of food and drinking water, as well as bowls, cat litter and a container to be used as a litter box.
• Current photos and descriptions of pets.
• Up-to-date identification, including an additional tag with the phone number of someone out of the area in the event the pet becomes lost.
• Medications, medical records and a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your pet for several hours or even days.

For more information about pet disaster preparedness, visit our website at: http://www.petsandanimals.org/pet_disaster_tips.asp

Pets & Animals in Distress also encourages all pet owners to spread the word to help promote Pet Safety Awareness in your communities through your local city and county officials, your local agencies, animal shelters, organizations, vets and local business when it comes to protecting our most loved and cherished companion animals in the event of a fire or any natural disaster that may strike at any time. It is very important to start and implement a pet safety evacuation plan. The day may come when you will need to know what to do and where to go in a short times notice just as they have done in San Diego on being prepared.

A company that specializes in Pet Fire Safety Alert and is a pet friendly sponsor for our organization has started a joint fundraiser together with Pets & Animals in Distress to help raise donations for shelters and rescue groups that have been affected from the fires in California to help provide financial assistance for the many homeless animals that are now in need of care.

Pet Safety Alert www.petsafetyalert.com is offering to pet owners 2 FREE packs of (4) Rescue Rover Pet Alert Fire Rescue Static Cling Window Decals to help protect their pets in case of a fire or any natural disaster for a $15 donation. All proceeds raised will go directly to help provide financial aid to the selected rescue groups and shelters in those fire areas that are helping to provide shelter, food and medical care for the many homeless animals that are now in need from the California fires.