In Nevada County, fires are an inevitable reality.
Particularly during the hot summer months when our local trees and plants become tinder dry, such a disaster can occur with little or no warning, making every second count.
Ensuring the safety of your family and your beloved pets is the top priority.
Unfortunately, pets are sometimes left behind or become lost due to a lack of preparedness. That’s why creating a well-thought-out evacuation plan that includes your pet is so essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial steps you need to ensure your pet stays safe and secure during any emergency evacuation.
1. Safe Places: Know Where You’re Going
The first and most important step in any pet evacuation plan is identifying safe places you can take your animals. Not every emergency shelter accepts pets, and some locations might not be suitable for your specific animal, especially larger or exotic species. Planning ahead can prevent heartache and headaches later.
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Locations
You should research local and regional emergency shelters that accommodate pets. Keep a list of:
- Pet-friendly hotels in nearby towns or counties
- Boarding facilities or kennels that offer emergency space
- Veterinary offices or animal hospitals that accept animals during crises
- Local community centers, such as Nevada Union High School and the Nevada County Fairgrounds, which have historically offered temporary refuge for pets during wildfires and other regional emergencies
Additionally, make a list of friends or family members who are open to housing you and your pet if you need to flee your area quickly.
Tip: Keep printed directions to each location in your emergency kit in case GPS or cellular service fails during an emergency.
2. Set Up a Buddy System
Disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. What if you’re not home when a fire breaks out? Or what if you’re trapped at work and unable to reach your neighborhood due to blocked roads?
That’s where a buddy system comes in. Choose at least one trusted neighbor, friend, or relative who lives nearby and is familiar with your pet. This person should have a key to your home and know where your pet’s emergency supplies are stored.
Important Buddy System Elements:
- Share your evacuation plan and your pet’s needs with your buddy.
- Give them written instructions for feeding, medication, and any behavioral quirks.
- Provide a backup list of alternate caretakers in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Leave a signed note authorizing the buddy to seek emergency veterinary care for your pet, if needed.
This system can be a literal lifesaver when time is short and you can’t be there yourself.
3. Transport Options: Getting Your Pet Out Safely
When it comes to evacuation, transportation can be a make-or-break factor. Whether you have a small dog, a caged bird, or a 1,200-pound horse, your evacuation strategy should account for how you’ll get them to safety.
Small Animals
For dogs, cats, and other small animals, keep a carrier or crate by the door or in your emergency kit. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. Label it with your name, phone number, and your vet’s contact information.
Large Animals
If you have horses, goats, or other livestock, evacuation becomes more complex. Ensure you have access to:
- A suitable trailer (owned or arranged with a trusted neighbor)
- Halters, lead ropes, and identification tags for each animal
- Pre-identified stables or fairgrounds that can shelter your animals
Conduct regular drills to load and unload large animals into a trailer, as practice reduces panic during a real emergency.
4. Destination Preparation: Make Sure Your Pet Will Be Welcome
Before you hit the road, double-check that your intended evacuation site can accommodate your pet’s specific needs.
What to Confirm:
- Space: Is there enough room for your animal to stay safely contained?
- Supplies: Does the location have (or allow) pet food, water, litter boxes, and other essential items?
- Rules: Are there any breed or species restrictions?
- Medical Care: Is there a veterinarian nearby? If your pet has a chronic condition, ensure you’re able to refill medications.
Bring your pet’s veterinary records, vaccination history, and a recent photo to facilitate care and identification.
Pack a “Go Bag” for Your Pet:
Keep a dedicated emergency kit for each pet. Items to include:
- At least 3-7 days of food and bottled water
- Bowls for food and water
- Medications and copies of prescriptions
- Leash, harness, and crate
- Waste disposal supplies (litter, poop bags)
- A few toys or comfort items
- First aid supplies
- Emergency contact information, including your vet’s number
5. Practice Makes Perfect
An evacuation plan only works if you’re familiar with it. That’s why regular drills are so important. Practice loading your pets into carriers and vehicles. Drive the evacuation route. Time how long it takes you to gather everything you need. Identify any roadblocks and adjust accordingly.
If your pet is anxious about travel or carriers, start training early. Positive reinforcement, gradual exposure, and plenty of treats can help make emergency travel less stressful.
6. During the Evacuation
During an actual emergency, emotions are high, and animals can sense your stress. Keep calm, speak gently, and handle your pet with care.
- Never leave pets behind, even if you think you’ll return soon. The situation may change rapidly, and you might not be able to get back.
- Keep pets leashed or contained at all times. Unfamiliar environments and loud noises can cause them to bolt.
Monitor for signs of stress or illness such as panting, hiding, or vomiting. Contact a vet if symptoms persist.
7. After the Emergency
Once it’s safe to return home, take time to inspect your property before letting your pet roam freely. Hazards like broken glass, toxic plants, and structural damage can pose serious risks.
Watch your pet closely in the days following a disaster. Behavioral changes, such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive clinginess, are common. If problems persist, consult a vet or pet behaviorist.
If your pet becomes lost during an evacuation, contact local shelters, animal control, and use social media to spread the word. Microchipping your pet in advance dramatically increases the chances of reunion.
Pets are family, and they depend on us completely—especially in times of crisis. Taking the time now to build a clear, actionable evacuation plan can save their lives and provide you with peace of mind.
Start today: Research your local emergency shelters, talk with neighbors about a buddy system, and build a pet “go bag.” Disasters may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be.