Wildfire Preparedness For Pets
Prepare a sensible strategy to safeguard your furry family members.
Prepping for Our Pets
Protecting your pets from wildfire
From wildfire smoke to flash floods, ensure your herd’s survival with a proactive, written, and rehearsed evacuation strategy.
The threat of a farm-related wildfire can turn a quiet afternoon into an emergency evacuation in minutes. While we often focus on livestock and machinery, our household pets—dogs, cats, and "barn buddies"—require their own specific plan.
When an emergency happens, you won't have time to hunt for a leash or look for a vaccination record. The most important way to protect your pets is to prepare a 72-Hour "Go-Kit" and a clear evacuation strategy today.
Recommendation #1
Know Your Destination
In a rural evacuation, not all reception centres or hotels accept animals. Don't wait until you're on the road to find a place to stay.
- Create a Contact List: Identify pet-friendly hotels in neighbouring municipalities (like Mayerthorpe, Stony Plain, or Whitecourt).
- Boarding Options: Keep the numbers of local boarding kennels or veterinary clinics that may offer emergency shelter.
- The Buddy System: Talk to neighbours or friends outside your immediate area. A "mutual aid" agreement to house each other’s pets can be a lifesaver.
- Verify Requirements: Confirm if your chosen facility requires specific vaccinations for entry.
Recommendation #2
Health & Vaccinations
Emergency shelters can be high-stress, crowded environments where diseases spread quickly. To ensure your pet is admitted and stays healthy:
- Record Keeping: Ask your vet for a printed copy of your pet's vaccination history annually. Include records for Rabies, DA2PP (Distemper/Parvo) for dogs, and FVRCP for cats.
- Medication Backup: If your pet is on heart, thyroid, or seizure medication, keep a two-week supply in your Go-Kit. You cannot get refills without a prescription or an exam, which may be impossible during a county-wide disaster.
Recommendation #3
Assembling a Go-Kit
Pack these items in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container and store it near your own emergency supplies.
- Food & Water: 72 hours of their regular food (to prevent GI upset) and bottled water.
- Sanitation: Waste bags, paper towels, sanitizing wipes, and a small litter box/litter for cats.
- Comfort: A familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress in a strange environment.
- Hardware: A sturdy crate/kennel, extra leashes, and a harness.
- Medical: A basic pet first-aid kit and all current prescriptions.
Recommendation #4
Identification & Transport
In the chaos of a fire or a storm, even the most well-trained farm dog can bolt.
- Microchipping: This is the single most effective way to be reunited with a lost pet. Ensure your contact information is up to date with the registry.
- Harnesses over Collars: For cats and small dogs, use a harness. In a panic, pets can slip out of collars easily. Never remove a cat from its carrier in a public shelter unless it is on a harness and leash.
- Photo ID: Keep a printed photo of you with your pet in your Go-Kit. This serves as proof of ownership if you are separated.
No One Left Behind
If it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for them.
Never leave pets tethered or kennelled on the farm if you are evacuated. If you are forced to leave them, do not leave them tied up; leave them in a cleared area with plenty of water and a way for emergency responders to see them.
Pro Tip: Keep the Crate Ready
During wildfire season, keep your pet's travel crate near the door. Many pets sense the stress of an evacuation and may hide; having the crate ready allows you to secure them the moment the alert is issued.
