How to Be Ready to Evacuate with Pets

KNOW YOUR ZONE! Click for map

Butte County Animal Control has tremendous resources and ideas.  Check it out!  Animal Control – Emergency Preparedness

Be ready to evacuate with your pets! Read here and/or go to www.readyforwildfire.org/Animal-Evacuation/

For a wealth of information about being ready to evacuate with pets, take a look at  The Halter Project

Do you have an evacuation plan for your family and your pets?

Disasters can strike at any time. In our area we must be prepared to leave our homes at a moments notice. Do you have a list of the items you’d need?

The following list of recommended items has been developed to help you help your pets.

• Take your pet with you. If you must evacuate your house, do not leave your pet behind. Once the roadblocks go up you may not be allowed back into town. If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for your pet either.
• Make a list of friends and relatives who could help evacuate your pets when an evacuation warning is called.
• Create a list of boarding facilities within a 100-mile radius of your home. Identify nearby hotels that accept pets and under what circumstances.
• Have your pet microchipped for easy identification.
• Place an out of the area emergency contact name and number, along with your own, on your pet’s ID tag.
• Pack a plastic crate or box with your pet’s leashes, extra ID tags, water, food, water/food bowls, medications, your pet’s health records, and a photo to prove ownership if you are separated. If possible keep a photo in your wallet.
• Have a portable carrier large enough for your pet to stand up in and turn around.  Every pet needs to be able to be contained during an evacuation.
• Have an animal first aid kit.

Away From Home?

Have a plan for neighbors or friends to help evacuate your animals if you are away from home during an evacuation.

Exotic Pets?

If you have exotic pets such as birds, lizards, snakes, etc., consider preparing the following items for evacuation:

• A carrier large enough to comfortably house the animal.
• Adequate food and water.
• Appropriate bedding for the specific type of animal.
• Covers for birdcages to keep them calm and protected.
• A hot water bottle or some type of non-electrical heating element ready to keep them warm.
• Exotic’s medical records and a means of identifying them.
• Place proper identification on all carriers and/or cages including pet information, your name, address, and contact numbers!