Pets Find Shelter from the Fire

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When the Jesusita Fire broke out Tuesday, May 5, few could imagine what would soon follow. More than 12,000 properties were mandatorily evacuated, forcing over 30,000 residents to leave their homes. With thousands of pet owners in Santa Barbara, it was only a matter of time until animal shelters would start to feel the ramifications of evacuees with no place for their pets.

On Wednesday, May 6, lines of people loaded with animals in carriers were forming in front of the Santa Barbara Humane Society and Santa Barbara County Animal Services on Overpass Road. Angela Walters Rockwell, president of Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), was asked by Animal Services how many cats she thought they could accommodate. Her answer was: “25.” It soon became apparent that the Humane Society was filling up and ASAP would need to figure out how they could accommodate more.

By midnight Wednesday, ASAP had over 60 evacuated cats, in addition to their 75 resident cats. Rockwell stated: “We had begun reaching out to all of our volunteers and supporters within the community to bring in supplies and large carriers and cages to house the steady flood of cats. Calls for assistance were put out over the volunteer link and the response was immediate. Volunteers came in droves, working long shifts, answering the constant phone calls and showing kindness and compassion to each and every person and cat that came overwhelmed and exhausted to our door.”

Volunteering at ASAP last Saturday, I was impressed with how the volunteers reconfigured the entire shelter, stacking carriers from floor to ceiling and using every square inch of space in order to succeed in their mission to not turn a single cat away, all the while giving the highest standard of care to all the animals. What was truly remarkable was the fact that ASAP accomplished such a difficult task without any outside assistance from a national charity and without a big budget. It was a true grassroots effort. The grand total of evacuated cats housed at ASAP was 220—well over the 25 Rockwell initially thought they could accommodate.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services—the umbrella under which ASAP, Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS), and K9 Placement and Assistance League (K9PALs) serve—staffed their shelter and the main hotline 24/7, so that people seeking help for their pets had access to instant and updated information. In total, Animal Services took in over 300 animals. Aside from the 200 cats at ASAP, Animal Services housed 50 rabbits as well as more than a dozen birds, dogs, and fowl.

Volunteers from Emergency Animal Rescue Services, a program of the United Animal Nations, came to aid with the Santa Barbara Humane Society’s 530 evacuated animals. Sources say that 16 tons of pet food and supplies were brought to help with the efforts, along with a Pet Smart Emergency Relief Waggin’ Trailer. In addition to dogs and cats, the Humane Society also took in livestock and close to 150 birds.

Earl Warren Showgrounds served as the temporary home for almost 200 displaced farm animals with more than 100 horses and ponies seeking shelter during the fire. Additionally the Showgrounds offered protection to mules, donkeys, goats, chickens, and even a family of possums.

Dioji, a dog boarding facility in Goleta, took in over 75 evacuated animals. Dogs, cats, and guinea pigs were among the evacuees.

As of 10 p.m., May 8, the status report from Animal Services showed that 1,100 evacuated pets were cared for by the various groups mentioned above. Jan Glick, director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, stated that it was the collaboration of all the groups that made this effort so successful.

In Case of a Disaster

Now that this crisis is nearly behind us, it’s time to ensure your preparedness for the next disaster. The secret to your pet’s survival during one of these natural disasters is to be as prepared as possible before a disaster strikes. Have a plan and assemble an emergency supply kit for your pet and keep it easily accessible. By being organized and ready for a disaster, you will greatly increase the chance of your pet’s survival.

Checklist for Pet Emergency Supplies

• Bottled water, food, and any medications needed for 5-7 days.

• Current identification (name, cell phone, address) fastened to your pet’s collar

• Pet carrier, leash, and harness

• Disposable litter box, litter, and scooper

• Animal first aid kit – available at the Red Cross store.

• Toys and blankets

• Photos of your pet

• A copy of your pet’s veterinary records, along with your veterinarian’s phone number

• Phone number and directions to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital (the 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in Santa Barbara is Care Hospital at 301 E. Haley St., 899-2273).

• Listing of places to take refuge with your pet. For a listing of pet friendly hotels, visit petswelcome.com

• Emergency rescue sticker placed on the front door of your home. These stickers are available for free at Care Hospital.

In addition to natural disasters, you should also be prepared for everyday emergencies. Make sure you know who will check on your pet if you find yourself unexpectedly away due to an emergency. Find a dependable neighbor and make sure they have access to your house. Also, you’ll want to introduce your neighbor to your pet beforehand to ensure familiarity. If evacuation is necessary while you’re away, be certain your neighbor is willing to rescue your pet and knows where you keep your pet’s emergency kit. Arrange to meet at a location set ahead of time.

Once again, a big thank you to Santa Barbara County Animal Services: ASAP, BUNS, and K9PALs, the Santa Barbara Humane Society, Earl Warren Showgrounds Equine Evac, Dioji Boarding facility, CARE Hospital, as well as the numerous veterinary clinics in town that took in as many evacuated pets as they could. All of these organizations, as well as all of the volunteers who gave their time, should be applauded and considered life savers.

Angel

Pet of the Week

Angel is a nine-year-old, spayed female kitty who has beautiful long hair. One look at Angel and you will see why her prior guardian chose her name. Not only does she have an angelic face, but her long white and gray coat reminds you of a cloud. She gets along with both cats and dogs and has lived with both. She is also tolerant with children. Angel is an indoor kitty who would like her home to be on the quite side. For more information, visit the Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Rd., 964-4777; sbhumanesociety.org. Shelter hours are Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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