Now that evacuation orders are being lifted, the focus is on FINDING LOST PETS and WELFARE CHECKS FOR ANIMALS SHELTERED IN PLACE (SIP). Owners are gaining access to their properties, and trained teams of Animal Search and Rescue Specialists are moving into neighborhoods where they help locate, trap, and care for animals in affected areas.
As we move into the “Recovery Phase” of the North Bay Fires, helping and finding pets who are using their instincts to survive on their own in a changed environment is becoming a huge priority.
Here are important steps to take to improve your pets’ chances of staying strong and being found.
We understand the pain and anxiety of not knowing if your pet survived, and how he or she is faring.
Animals’ instincts will be to hide at first, until they gain bearings in their surroundings. Reporting your pets to the local resources right away will improve the odds.
Here’s what to do:
If you are missing your pet or have found a pet in your area, the following resources can help.
Sonoma Humane Society
707-542-0882
Marin Humane
415-883-4621
Napa Humane
707-255-8118
Pets Lifeline
707-996-4577
Sonoma County Animal Services
707-565-7100
(This number is staffed M-F 8am-5pm, with limited response after hours and weekends.)
Check out these tips for finding a missing pet from:
CATSINTHEBAG.ORG
MISSING PET PARTNERSHIP
Forgotten Felines
For injured deer or loose livestock call 911
For injured wildlife:
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
WildCare
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
The Marine Mammal Center
If you are concerned about an animal that is in an area affected by a natural disaster you can request a welfare check by contacting Sonoma County Animal Services. If you reside in an area outside of Sonoma County, call 911, or your local animal welfare agency.
1. Your name and cell number
2. Type of help needed: Injured animal? Loose livestock? Evacuation? Welfare Check for Animals Sheltered in Place?
3. Location (neighborhood, address, cross streets).
4. On a freeway or highway: Give highway name, direction (north, east, south, west), mile marker, nearest exit or landmark, etc.
5. Access Info: Narrow road? Turns? Low trees? Gated entry? Code? Locks?
6. Species & number of animals (horses, mules, minis, goat, sheep, llamas, pigs, poultry, cats, dogs, etc.)
7. Can they be handled? Do they load in a trailer?
8. Injuries? Describe
9. Is anyone at property now?
10. Have you called anyone else?
In any emergency or disaster, "spontaneous", self-deployed helpers arriving on the scene, who are not trained in emergency response, often put everyone, including animals, at risk. To be the safest and most effective Helper in any animal crisis, "KNOW BEFORE YOU GO". Train to be an Animal Service Disaster Worker.
Shelter animals in safest, cleanest place
Away from trees, wood structures, vehicles, propane tanks, and BBQs
Leave as much water as possible
Put ID on animals if possible
Remove nylon halters, collars, masks, etc.
Leave access to property open
Open electric gates, locks, etc.
DO NOT turn livestock or equines loose near a road
1. Try to ID your animals-crayons, spray paint, magic markers — phone#, or a “brand”.
2. Take photos!
3. Leave a sign in a visible place that tells responders who is there, date and time you evacuated.
Thank you to the MANY resources who responded with organized, safe assistance for transportation, and the MANY ranch and facility owners who offered safe havens for equines and livestock. Special thanks to CHANGE, SERRA, Napa-CART, and Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch for your well-prepared and mindful evacuation volunteer response. Thank you to the Marine Horse Council for compiling and distributing a comprehensive and accessible list of evacuation sites. Thank you, Napa County OES for collaborative support and guidance to the equine and livestock community. Thank you to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the Student Veterinary Response Team (s-VERT). Thank you to the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps, (CVMRC), and the other MANY local vets who responded. Thank you to the Sonoma County and Solano County Fairgrounds for providing lifesaving and extensive shelter for animals, people and basecamp facilities for first responders. Thank you Sonoma County Horse Council members and others who volunteered to assist at the shelters.
Wildlife Rescue Hotline
(707) 526-9453
Leave a message please. They have 21 shifts a week, staffed by experienced volunteers who are waiting to help. If you feel it is an emergency, please call (707) 486-0226 and they will address your concerns immediately.
Here are signs of animals in need of rescue and care:
Wandering around during the day
Appearing lost or dazed
Looking thin and or sickly
Signs of injuries can be noticed like limping, dragging limbs, laying on their sides in the open or partially hidden
