Summertime Pet Safety
Hot conditions can be particularly dangerous for pets. For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures or in vehicles, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-576-6664. For additional pet safety tips, visit ready.dc.gov/extremeheat or ready.dc.gov/pets
Have a Plan in Place For Your Pets
Eight D.C., Maryland and Virginia animal welfare organizations are uniting to urge the community to have a plan in place for their beloved companion animals in the wake of COVID-19. Though this illness has been fatal for some community members, countless residents may experience a hospital stay, potentially leaving untold numbers of companion animals needing care.
Shelters are urging residents to have a preparedness plan in place:
1. Find a temporary caregiver to take on your pets if you are hospitalized. The best place for your pet, even if you are sick, is with you in your home. However, you may become too ill to care for your pet. It’s important to identify two potential caregivers and speak with them so they’re prepared should they be called to action. Contact neighbors, family, friends, pet-sitters and boarding facilities. The most ideal situation for you and your pets is for them to remain in the temporary care of a trusted caregiver and out of an animal shelter.
2. Prepare a pet supply kit. It may not seem necessary today, but having proper supplies and information in place in advance is critical if you find yourself in an emergency situation. Your kit should include:
- Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
- Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
- Food, treats, a leash, toys and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
- A crate or carrier to transport your pet
- Vaccination records
- Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip information is up to date)
- Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
- Daily care instructions
- Your veterinarian's contact information
3. Know the facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.
With your whole family on board and a plan in place, you’ll feel better about your pet’s safety knowing they’re in good hands no matter what challenges may arise. In addition, keeping area animal shelters free of long-term care animals allows them to be better prepared for the onset of kitten season, stray pets and animal care cases that require immediate attention.
The participating shelters in this request are the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Humane Rescue Alliance, Loudoun County Animal Services, Montgomery County Animal Services, Prince George’s County Animal Services and Prince William County Animal Control Bureau.
Humane Rescue Alliance Pet Pantry Program
The Pet Pantry program was created to support DC residents in caring for their pets by providing free pet food to those who indicate need. The food distributed is intended to supplement the pet's monthly food needs and to reduce the financial burden associated with pet care.
How does it work?
The Pet Pantry operates on a regular schedule, with designated times and days of the week during which pet owners can show up to pick up for their animals. HRA is not able to provide food to pet owners who arrive outside of these time frames.
The HRA Pet Pantry is open to any pet owner who is a resident of DC Please bring proof of DC residency the first time you come to pick up food.
Any pet owner who wishes to receive food for their pet through the Pet Pantry will be asked to complete an enrollment form the first time they come to pick up food. After enrolling the first time they show up at the Pet Pantry, pet owners will be given an identification card that must be provided during each subsequent visit.
Food may be picked up once per month for each animal who is enrolled in the program.
Within six months of enrollment, pet owners must show proof of up to date vaccines and spay/neuter for each of their animals. Pet Pantry staff can help any pet owner facilitate vaccination or spay/neuter for their animal, and pet owners are encouraged to inquire about these services when they arrive to pick up food.
How does it work?
The Pet Pantry operates on a regular schedule, with designated times and days of the week during which pet owners can show up to pick up for their animals. HRA is not able to provide food to pet owners who arrive outside of these time frames.
The HRA Pet Pantry is open to any pet owner who is a resident of DC Please bring proof of DC residency the first time you come to pick up food.
Any pet owner who wishes to receive food for their pet through the Pet Pantry will be asked to complete an enrollment form the first time they come to pick up food. After enrolling the first time they show up at the Pet Pantry, pet owners will be given an identification card that must be provided during each subsequent visit.
Food may be picked up once per month for each animal who is enrolled in the program.
Within six months of enrollment, pet owners must show proof of up to date vaccines and spay/neuter for each of their animals. Pet Pantry staff can help any pet owner facilitate vaccination or spay/neuter for their animal, and pet owners are encouraged to inquire about these services when they arrive to pick up food.