Animals

Protect Your Pet as Part of Disaster Preparedness

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As peak wildfire season approaches, now is the time to update your disaster preparedness plans to protect your family and your pets.

The County Department of Animal Services (DAS) encourages you to make sure those preparations include microchipping.

DAS will offer microchipping, rabies vaccinations and dog licenses from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Woodglen Vista Park located at 10250 Woodglen Vista Drive in Santee.

“We have rescued hundreds of animals during past fires and the first thing we do is check for a microchip,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “A microchip is the best way to reunite animals with their owners quickly after a disaster. It could save your pet’s life.”

DAS will microchip pets for a one-time fee of $20, which includes the registration. Rabies vaccinations for dogs four months or older and cats three months or older are $6. Amnesty from late fees is offered to owners who failed to license their dog or allowed their dog’s annual license to lapse.

Spay/neuter discount coupons will be available: $100 for female cats, female Pit Bulls, Pit mixes and Chihuahua’s: and $75 for all other female breeds and male dogs and cats.

Rabies vaccinations and microchipping are available to anyone. Spay/neuter coupons and licenses are available to residents who live in the department’s service area of the unincorporated county or the contract cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Santee.

To protect owners and their pets, dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier while visiting the clinic. For more information, contact DAS at (619) 767-2675 or visit www.sddac.com. You can also watch this video to learn more about the importance of microchipping your pet before a disaster.

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact