Emergencies: Plan Ahead for Your Pets

When disaster strikes, pets often face the greatest danger. One veterinarian in Los Angeles, Dr. Annie Harvilicz, made headlines when she took in 41 animals during a wildfire in the Palisades. She turned her home and an old pet hospital into a refuge, urging people to evacuate with their animals.

It’s a reality no pet owner wants to face: if you leave without your pet, chances are you won’t be able to return for them. Fires, floods, and other emergencies can move quickly, making it critical to have a plan in place before disaster hits.

Planning for an Evacuation

The most important step is ensuring you have a way to transport and shelter your pets. Most human emergency shelters do not allow animals, so you’ll need to find pet-friendly hotels, kennels, or friends and family willing to help.

If you have time to prepare, pack an emergency kit for your pets that includes:

• Vaccination and health records (some shelters and hotels require proof of vaccinations).
• Food and water for at least three days.
• Carriers, crates, and leashes for safe transport.
• Comfort items, like a blanket or toy, to reduce stress.
• ID tags with up-to-date contact information (consider a pet microchip as well).

Challenges with Large or Multiple Pets

For families with multiple pets or large animals, evacuations are even more complicated. Some rescue organizations have fire trucks and equipment to transport larger animals, but there are no guarantees. In one heartbreaking case, Dr. Harvilicz recalled a family forced to release six donkeys when they couldn’t transport them in time.

If you cannot evacuate your pet, never leave them tied up or locked inside. Turn them loose so they have a chance to escape. In the worst-case scenario, write your phone number on your pet’s collar or even directly on their fur with a marker.

Prepare Now, Stay Safe Later

Disasters don’t wait, and neither should your pet emergency plan. Taking the time now to prepare could save your pet’s life when every second counts.