Every wildfire season reminds us how quickly circumstances can change. When an evacuation order comes, there may only be minutes to gather your family and leave safely.
If you’re one of my clients, you’ve probably heard my superstition: “Having a plan makes you less likely to need one.” While this isn’t literally true, a plan does make it easier to act quickly when emotions are running high. Here are three simple steps to help you prepare.
- Have a Plan
Decide now where you and your pets would go if you needed to evacuate. Options might include a friend or family member’s home, a pet-friendly hotel, or a boarding facility while you arrange longer-term housing. Accommodation search engines can help you build a short list of places that allow pets. If you are staying in someone else’s home, think honestly about how your pet does with others and what supports may be needed.
Keep a current photo of you and your pet together for identification in the event you are separated. Verify your pet’s microchip contact information is current. If you travel frequently, identify someone who could evacuate your pets if you’re away.
- Pack a Pet Emergency Kit
- Collar or harness with ID tags, leash, and a carrier or collapsible crate.
- Two weeks of food, bowls, several days of water, and a manual can opener if needed.
- Two-week supply of medications, one dose of parasite prevention, copies of vaccine records, making sure vaccines are up to date, especially the RABIES vaccine.
- Poop bags and potty pads for dogs; a litter box, scoop, and litter for cats.
- Familiar comfort items such as bedding, toys or treats. Additional support items may include a blanket cover for cat carrier, compression suit for anxiety, or calming pheromone spray for cats.
For pets with chronic medical conditions, talk with your veterinarian before wildfire season to ensure prescriptions are current. If your pet has extreme anxiety, you may want to talk to your vet about anxiety medication options.
If boarding or emergency housing becomes necessary, dogs should be current on RABIES, DAPP, Bordetella, and canine influenza (CIV) vaccines, while cats need current RABIES, FVRCP vaccinations (sometimes FeLV). Some facilities require a negative fecal test. Boarding facilities typically won’t accept pets with incomplete vaccination status, even in an emergency.
- Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts now. If your neighborhood receives an evacuation warning, don’t wait until conditions worsen to prepare your pets and load your emergency supplies.
Bookmark the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s Emergency Resources page for reference. This is an excellent resource for local pet evacuation shelters and preparedness checklists for. Ready.gov/pets also provides guidance for emergency planning with pets.
We hope you’ll never need to use your emergency plan. Spending a little time preparing today can make one of life’s most stressful situations safer and more manageable for you and your pets.
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