Emergency Evacuations with Pets
- Traci Wilkerson Steckel
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
We're just weeks into summer and have already experienced a few earthquakes in Southern California, as well as way too many wildfires. If you live here, then you probably already know that at any given time of the year, especially during the summer, you may find yourself in the epicenter of a quake, and with the last few being fairly substantial, you should be prepared to make an emergency evacuation.
In addition to earthquakes, Californians also experience mudslides and wildfires. Depending on where you are in the country or the world, you can be prepared for whatever disaster may occur. As scary as an event as one of the above may be for us, it is even more frightening and confusing for our pets. We here at Traci's Paws know it's always essential to have a plan of action for you and your family, which includes your pets, in case of a safe exit depending on your location at the time of an evacuation or disaster. The Paws Spot will provide tips on how to prepare for some of these disasters..
Ensure your pets are microchipped and that the information associated with the microchip is up to date with the microchip company. This includes your name, address, veterinarian's information, and other relevant details. Also, try to keep a collar with an updated tag on your pet. If you have questions regarding microchipping your pet, you may find further information on the AVMA website here: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Microchipping-of-animals-FAQ.aspx, or please call your vet for information or to schedule an appointment to microchip your pet.
Another great way to let emergency crews know you have pets in the home is to have a Rescue Alert sticker on your front door or window near your front door. You can order an ASPCA Pet Rescue Sticker here, but please note that a donation is required to place your order: https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack.
You'll list the names and species of each of your pets so they can be rescued together. If they're microchipped, you'll have an even greater chance of being reunited with them.
Another vital part of your plan should be to have a "Pet Evacuation Kit." This is as simple as having a carrier with your pet's name and species written on it, a blanket, feeding bowls, 2 week's worth of food and bottled water, disposable litter trays if you have a cat or small animal, and copies of all prescriptions your pet(s) may have. Make sure to prepare a "Pet Evacuation Kit" for each of your pets, and keep them in a closet near the front door. This way, you will be able to grab your pet(s) and go. But what did I say about a two-week supply of food and cooking your pet's food, as I did for our previous pets? Well, if you are in an area where your prospective evacuation may be weather-related, like for a tornado or hurricane, or you may be in an area with a wildfire or in any situation where a warning has already been announced, be on alert and start prepping the food, you can freeze it and be ready to grab it once the call for the evacuation has been made.
Remember to check back every few months for expired food and other medications and replace them as needed. Try to keep your pet's medication in an easily accessible area. Still, we understand that it may not be feasible to keep double prescriptions on hand at all times, especially if they are expensive and risk expiring before they are needed.
When you're at home, it's always a good idea to keep track of your pet's routine. Where is Fido at any given time of day? Where does your kitty hide when the doorbell rings? If you are at home when disaster strikes, it will be easier to get (or catch) your pet for evacuation. If you have a cat, it may be easier to put her in a pillowcase then place her in the carrier if she is scared. If you are not at home, it is helpful to know where your pet(s) may be or hide so you can inform your neighbors or emergency crews of their location. If you have a Rescue Alert Sticker on your door or window, it will be even more helpful.
If you know you are close to an evacuation, start gathering your pets. If you have a baby gate or round pen, set it up so that you can confine your dog(s) to a small area in one room or the bathroom. Keep cats in the bathroom with the door closed. This will make it easier for them to get into their crates if and when they are evacuated.
Back your car into the garage or carport for an easy escape, or park your vehicle facing in the direction of your neighborhood's evacuation route.
Once evacuated and have reached an evacuation center or the home where you are staying, make sure your pets are left in their carriers until they are in a quiet and safe room where they cannot escape once the carriers are opened. If you and your pets have been exposed to smoke or fire, please assess their breathing and behavior as best as possible. With the stress of evacuation, breathing may already be heavy and increased, making it difficult to monitor. But, if you notice weepy eyes, you're your pet scratching at them, burns, or any other signs of trauma, they need to seek medical attention. If you are in a center and cannot remove them, please keep them inside the carrier and assess them to the best of your ability. Always call your vet's office to schedule an appointment to check your pet's health. Some evacuation centers may not be equipped to accept pets. Please get in touch with your veterinarian or local boarding facilities to ensure your pets will be staying in a safe environment. It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local boarding centers that you may not use in case they become a consideration during an emergency.
If you've lost your pets during the evacuation, please call all local shelters, veterinarians, boarding facilities, and even those in neighboring cities if they were transported there.
We never want to experience an evacuation due to an awful event like a wildfire, mudslide, earthquake, or any other natural disaster, but we know that we can be prepared and ready if one were to uproot us from our home.
Here is an update to The Paws Spot pet blog: a Wildfire Evacuation Guide with a graphic created and provided by CAL FIRE, which we wanted to share with you all. Some information is similar to what we've provided, and some are very new, but we wanted to add it to our blog because it is crucial and from the pros!
It includes information on evacuation preparation and evacuating with livestock, as well as what to do if you absolutely must leave any animals behind.
Click the graphic below for details.
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