Keeping Pets Safe During an Evacuation: Tips and Resources

The fires in Los Angeles hits close to home for so many, life changing and a heartbreaking reminder of the Maui wildfires. The impact is equally unimaginable with widespread destruction, communities devastated, forcing many families to evacuate their homes and the news of friends loosing everything. Once again...we are at a lost for words.

Having experienced emergency evacuations first hand, Tooyeh Tui is completely dependent on us. As with all pets, they rely on us more than ever to ensure their safety. 

Preparing for the unexpected can make all the difference. Here are essential tips and resources to help pet owners evacuate safely and protect their furry friends during wildfires.

Preparing a Pet Evacuation Kit

A well-prepared pet evacuation kit can save valuable time when every second counts. Ensure your kit includes:

• Pet food and water (enough for at least 3-7 days)

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)

• Collar, leash, and harness

• ID tags and microchip information

• Pet carrier or crate (large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down)

• Litter box and litter (for cats) or waste bags (for dogs)

• Comfort items such as blankets or favorite toys

• Recent photos of your pet (in case you become separated)

Evacuation Planning for Pets

Wildfires can spread rapidly, so having a plan in place is crucial. Here are some key steps:

1. Know Your Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked.

2. Pet-Friendly Shelters and Hotels: Research pet-friendly evacuation centers, boarding facilities, and hotels in your area. Websites like BringFido can help locate pet-friendly accommodations.

3. Buddy System: Arrange with a neighbor or friend to check on each other’s pets if evacuation orders come while you’re away from home.

Safety Measures During Evacuations

• Keep Pets Contained: Transport pets in secure carriers or on leashes to prevent them from escaping in the chaos.

• Minimize Stress: Bring familiar items like a blanket or toy to help keep pets calm.

• Avoid Smoke Exposure: Keep pets indoors or in vehicles with windows closed to reduce their exposure to smoke and ash.

Post-Evacuation Care

Once you’re safe, focus on helping your pet recover:

• Reuniting Lost Pets: If you become separated, check local shelters and post on platforms like Petfinder and Nextdoor.

• Behavioral Support: Be patient as pets may show signs of stress or anxiety. Provide a safe space and stick to routines as much as possible.

• Health Check: Monitor your pet for respiratory issues or burns and consult a veterinarian if needed.

Resources for Pet Owners

Here are some organizations providing assistance to pet owners during emergencies:

• Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (animalcare.lacounty.gov)

• American Red Cross (redcross.org) – Information on pet-friendly evacuation shelters.

• The Humane Society of the United States (humanesociety.org) – Guidance on disaster preparedness for pets.

• ASPCA Disaster Response (aspca.org) – Emergency response and grants for animal rescue organizations.

• Petco Love Lost (petcolovelost.org) – A resource for finding lost pets using facial recognition technology.

Final Thoughts

Tooyeh Tui is more than our pet, he is very much a part of our family, and his safety as well as the safety of all pets is a top priority during emergencies. By preparing ahead, staying informed, and accessing available resources, we can protect our beloved companions when disaster strikes. If you’re in an area affected by the fires, stay safe, and know that help is available for you and your pets.

Our hearts especially go out to those who have livestock and cattle. The efforts to save all of them is beyond comprehension. Thoughts and prayers to everyone! Stay Safe!

Do you have tips or resources to share? Let us know in the comments below, and together, we can support each other through these challenging times.