Wildfires can escalate quickly, posing significant threats not only to people but also to animals. Whether you’re a pet owner or you care for livestock, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place to keep your animals safe. Being unprepared during a wildfire emergency can lead to unnecessary panic and loss. This guide focuses on actionable steps to protect your pets and livestock before, during, and after wildfire threats.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have clear strategies for evacuation planning, creating emergency supply kits, and ensuring your furry or feathered family members remain as safe as possible during wildfire emergencies.
The Importance of Preparing for Your Animals in Wildfires
Every year, wildfires displace thousands of families, often leaving pets and livestock in peril. Many animal owners don’t realize that evacuation shelters often don't allow animals, or that moving large livestock can require significant time and effort.
Planning ahead is the key to ensuring your animals remain safe during emergencies. Whether you own a small dog, a herd of cattle, or exotic pets, having a wildfire action plan can make all the difference.
Wildfire emergencies might seem overwhelming, but with preparation, you can significantly reduce risks for you and your animals.
Step 1: Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan for Animals
Keep an Updated Animal Emergency Plan
Having a written plan for your pets and livestock is non-negotiable. This plan should include:
- Evacuation procedures and routes
- Contact information for nearby animal shelters or boarding facilities
- A list of your animals and their specific needs
For example, if you have livestock, your plan should include trailers and predetermined evacuation locations for large animals. For pets, make sure you identify pet-friendly shelters in advance.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities
If you have a family or live with others, assign roles to ensure the evacuation process runs smoothly. For livestock, designate drivers for trailers and ensure proper loading areas are prepped. For house pets, assign individuals to gather pet carriers, grab emergency supplies, and transport animals during the evacuation.
Practice Evacuation Drills
Just as schools practice fire drills, you should practice your evacuation plan at least once a year. Introduce your pets to their carriers, and, if you have livestock, guide them into trailers regularly so they get comfortable with the procedure. Familiarity reduces stress for both you and your animals when a wildfire hits.
Step 2: Assemble an Emergency Kit for Your Pets
Pets require special supplies during a wildfire evacuation. Pack a pet-specific emergency kit ahead of time to ensure a smooth process. Your kit should include:
Items for All Animals:
- Identification: Microchip records, tags with your contact information, and photos of your pets in case they are lost.
- Food and Water: At least three days' worth of pet food and bottled water.
- Medication and First Aid: Pack any medication you’re currently giving your pet, as well as a basic pet first aid kit.
- Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket can help reduce your pet’s anxiety.
- Leashes, Collars, and Carriers: Have leashes for dogs and harnesses for smaller pets like cats or rabbits. Make sure carriers are sturdy and accessible.
Additional Pet-Specific Supplies:
- Small Animals (e.g., rabbits, birds): Pack bedding material, such as shavings or paper towels.
- Fish and Aquatic Animals: Invest in portable tanks or sealable bags; these can provide temporary habitats during short-term evacuations.
- Exotic or Reptile Pets: Heat lamps (battery-powered if possible) to maintain appropriate temperatures and travel-friendly enclosures.
Keep your emergency kit in an accessible location so you’re ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice.
Step 3: Plan for Livestock During a Wildfire
Identify Safe Zones
If you can evacuate your livestock, excellent. But this isn’t always possible. Identify safe spaces where large animals can wait out a wildfire:
- Firebreak areas (cleared of vegetation)
- Steel barns or structures resistant to fire
- Open fields void of trees, debris, or dry grass, which could act as fuel for fires
Ensure these spaces are large enough for animals to move freely.
Prep Trailers in Advance
Transporting livestock during a wildfire is a major challenge. Make sure any trailers used for evacuation are regularly maintained. Perform a dry run to ensure you can efficiently load animals under time-sensitive circumstances.
Prepare Emergency Supplies
For livestock, emergency kits will differ from those for pets but are equally important. Include:
- Hay and feed for several days
- Identification, such as branded tags or photos
- Buckets or water troughs with portable water containers
- Medical supplies for minor injuries
Coordinate with neighbors or community members to create a shared evacuation plan, especially if you don’t have enough trailers to accommodate all your animals.
Step 4: Know What to Do During an Evacuation Order
Evacuate Early
If wildfires are approaching, evacuate as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute puts yourself, your animals, and emergency responders at risk.
Evacuating early has the added benefit of giving both you and your animals time to adjust to unfamiliar shelters or environments.
Transportation Tips
For pets, make sure they’re secured in carriers or wearing collars with identification tags during transportation. For livestock, maintain watchfulness for panicked behavior, which can occur during loading or unloading.
Communicate with Shelters
Many evacuation shelters are not equipped to handle animals. Have a list of pet- or livestock-friendly facilities saved on your phone, such as boarding kennels, local fairgrounds, or veterinary offices. Contact them early to confirm availability.
If you cannot evacuate your livestock, open gates to allow them to escape to safer areas and mark their identification clearly.
Step 5: Returning Home Safely
When returning home after the wildfire, take precautions to ensure your animals aren’t exposed to lingering hazards.
Inspect the Area
Check the property for:
- Downed power lines
- Sharp debris, such as glass or nails
- Contaminated water sources, such as ash-filled puddles
Don’t allow pets or livestock back until the area has been declared safe by local authorities.
Monitor Animal Behavior
Stress from the wildfire and evacuation process may cause behavioral changes in animals. Watch for signs of anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal. For livestock, check for physical injuries or illnesses resulting from smoke inhalation or trauma. Consult your vet if you notice anything concerning.
Reassure pets by reintroducing familiar routines, like regular feeding times or play sessions. Familiarity can help reduce their stress.
Taking Action to Protect Animal Lives
Protecting pets and livestock during wildfires starts long before a fire even ignites. Preparedness saves lives, reduces stress, and ensures that you and your animals can weather the storm together.
Begin by assembling an emergency plan, gathering essential supplies, and practicing your evacuation procedures. The better prepared you are, the smoother your execution will be when emergencies arise.
Stay informed and proactive—your animals are counting on you!
