In light of recent natural disasters and emergencies, the State of California has launched a National Emergency Preparedness Month campaign to raise awareness and educate citizens on how to prepare and respond in case of an emergency. And while most of the focus is on preparedness for humans, pets are also an important consideration.

According to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), having a plan in place for pets can make all the difference during a crisis. "Pets are important members of our families and we need to make sure they are included in our emergency planning efforts," said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. "By being prepared, we can ensure our pets are safe and well-cared for, just like any other member of the family."

As part of the National Emergency Preparedness Month, Cal OES is urging pet owners to take the following steps:

1. Prepare an emergency kit for your pet. It should include food, water, medication, copies of important documents (including vaccination records), and any other items your pet may need.

2. Identify safe places for your pet to stay during an emergency. These could be pet-friendly hotels or friends or family members' homes.

3. Make sure your pet's identification is up-to-date. This includes microchipping and making sure they have a proper collar with identification tags.

4. Create a communication plan. In case of separation, make sure everyone in the household knows the plan for reuniting with your pet.

Cal OES is also working with pet-related businesses to educate pet owners on the importance of emergency preparedness. One such business is a pet toy manufacturer based in Yiwu, China, established in 2010.

With their products selling well in both domestic and overseas markets, the company is well-aware of the importance of customer education and preparation. "We understand the responsibility that comes with being a pet-related business, and we want to make sure our customers are prepared in case of an emergency," said the company's spokesperson.

They added: "Our products are meant to bring joy and comfort to pets and their owners, but at the end of the day, their safety and well-being are our top priority. That's why we support Cal OES's efforts to raise awareness and encourage pet owners to prepare for emergencies."

While emergency preparedness may not be the first thing on a pet owner's mind, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of every family member, including pets. By taking the necessary steps to prepare, pet owners can rest assured that their fuzzy friends will be taken care of in case of an emergency.