How to Evacuate With Your Pets When Wildfire Threatens
Evacuate your pets at the same time you evacuate yourself
When a wildfire evacuation order comes, you leave with your animals — not after dropping them off or hoping they'll follow later. Most pets do not survive on their own during a fire, and shelters cannot take animals left behind. If you have pets, you are responsible for moving them out when you move out. That means having a plan before the evacuation order arrives, because you will have minutes to an hour, not days.
The core steps are the same whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or horse: know where you are going, have your animals' documents and medical records ready, keep carriers or crates accessible, and practice loading your pets into your vehicle before an emergency forces you to do it in a panic. The specific details change based on what animals you own and whether you can take them with you or need to board them elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Evacuation orders mean you take your pets with you immediately — do not wait to see if the fire comes closer or plan to return for them later.
- Before fire season, identify a pet-friendly hotel, boarding facility, or friend's house outside your evacuation zone where you can take your animals.
- Keep vaccination records, microchip numbers, and photos of each pet in a waterproof bag or digital folder you can grab in under five minutes.
- Practice loading your pets into carriers or crates during calm times so they are not terrified when you need to move them quickly.
- If you cannot take large animals like horses, contact your county animal control or sheriff's office before evacuation to learn what trailers or facilities may be available.
Where your pets can go during evacuation
Your first choice is a pet-friendly hotel or motel outside your evacuation zone. Call ahead during fire season to ask which ones accept pets, what the pet policy is, and whether they have availability during emergencies. Some will hold a room for you if you call and say you are under evacuation order. Keep a list of three to five options with phone numbers in your phone and in a printed copy at home.
Your second choice is a boarding facility, doggy daycare, or veterinary clinic that boards animals. These fill up fast during evacuations, so call as soon as you know evacuation is possible, not after the order arrives. Ask whether they can take your specific animals and for how long. Some facilities will not board animals without current vaccination records, so have those ready.
Your third choice is a friend or family member outside the evacuation zone who has agreed in advance to take your pets. Do not assume someone will say yes in an emergency — ask them now, confirm they are willing, and exchange phone numbers. If they live far away, make sure you have directions or GPS coordinates saved in your phone.
If you have large animals like horses, goats, or livestock, contact your county animal control, sheriff's office, or county fairgrounds before fire season to ask what evacuation options exist. Some counties have emergency livestock trailers or temporary pastures. Others do not, and you need to know that now so you can arrange private boarding or transport in advance.
Documents and records to gather before evacuation
Assemble a folder — digital or physical — with vaccination records, microchip numbers, and recent photos of each pet. Vaccination records matter because boarding facilities and some shelters will not take animals without proof of rabies and other current shots. Microchip numbers matter because if your pet gets lost during evacuation, a shelter can scan the chip and contact you. Recent photos matter because if your pet escapes, you need an image to show people and post online.
Include your veterinarian's name and phone number, your pet's date of birth, any medical conditions, and the names and dosages of any medications your pet takes. If your pet has a medical condition like diabetes or seizures, write down what to do if an episode happens while you are away from home. If your pet takes medication, pack a two-week supply in a labeled container and keep it with the medical records.
For pets with microchips, verify that the microchip company has your current phone number and address on file. Call the microchip company now — do not wait for evacuation. If you have moved or changed your phone number since the chip was placed, update the registry immediately.
Carriers, crates, and transport setup
Keep a carrier or crate for each pet accessible in your home, not in a storage shed or garage you might not reach. For cats and small dogs, a hard-sided carrier that fits in your car is standard. For larger dogs, a vehicle barrier or travel crate works. For birds, a small cage or carrier is necessary. Practice putting your pets in their carriers during calm times — not during a stressful situation — so they learn it is not punishment.
Stock each carrier with a water bowl, a small amount of food, and any medications your pet needs. Keep a leash or harness nearby for each pet so you can control them if you need to move them from the car to a hotel or facility. For cats, keep a litter box and litter in an accessible place; some hotels will let you set up a temporary box in your room.
If you have multiple pets, plan how they will fit in your vehicle. A car can get hot quickly, so do not leave pets in a parked car for long periods. If you are evacuating to a hotel, confirm in advance that you can bring all your animals and that the room temperature will be safe for them.
What to do when evacuation is ordered
When an evacuation order is issued for your area, treat it as a signal to leave now, not to prepare. You should already have your pet documents in a bag, your carriers ready, and your destination identified. Load your pets into their carriers, put them in your vehicle, and drive to your pre-arranged location — hotel, boarding facility, or friend's house.
Call ahead to confirm you are coming. If you are going to a hotel, give them your estimated arrival time. If you are going to a boarding facility, let them know you are on the way. If you are going to a friend's house, send them a text so they are expecting you.
Do not go back home to retrieve items once you have evacuated. Do not wait to see if the fire gets closer. Do not leave your pets behind with the hope that you will return for them. Evacuation orders exist because conditions can change in minutes, and the roads can become impassable.
Special considerations for different types of pets
Cats are often harder to evacuate than dogs because they hide when stressed and can be difficult to find and load into carriers. Start practicing carrier training weeks before fire season. Leave the carrier out in your home so your cat becomes used to seeing it. Reward your cat with treats for going in and out of the carrier on their own. During evacuation, check hiding spots like closets, under beds, and behind furniture before you leave.
Dogs may panic during evacuation, especially if they are not used to car rides. Practice short car trips during calm times. Bring a familiar toy or blanket in the carrier to reduce stress. Keep your dog on a leash when moving between locations so they do not bolt if they are frightened.
Birds need a secure carrier and should not be exposed to smoke or extreme temperature changes. Keep the carrier in a quiet part of your vehicle and avoid opening windows. Bring food, water, and any perches or toys that fit in the carrier.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals need carriers with ventilation, food, water, and bedding. These animals are sensitive to temperature and stress, so keep them in a quiet, climate-controlled space during evacuation.
Horses and large livestock require trailers and specialized transport. If you own horses, contact your county fairgrounds, animal control, or local equine rescues before fire season to learn what options exist in your area. Some areas have emergency evacuation centers for livestock; others do not. Knowing this in advance lets you arrange private boarding or transport agreements before an evacuation order arrives.
After you have evacuated
Once you and your pets are at your destination, focus on staying safe and keeping your animals calm. Provide water and food on a regular schedule. Keep your pets in a quiet space if possible — hotels can be stressful for animals. If your pet is on medication, continue giving it on schedule.
Monitor local news and official evacuation updates. Some evacuations last a few hours; others last days or weeks. Do not return home until local officials say it is safe to do so. If your home was damaged or destroyed, animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area may offer temporary foster care or boarding while you figure out your next steps.
If your pet gets lost during evacuation, contact local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control immediately. Post photos on social media and local lost-pet websites. Call the microchip company and make sure they have your current contact information so they can reach you if your pet is scanned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have time to grab my pet's documents during evacuation?
Take your pet first. Documents matter for boarding and shelters, but your pet's life matters more. Once you are at your destination and safe, you can call your veterinarian and ask them to email or fax records to the facility where your pet is staying. Most vets will do this in an emergency.
Can I leave my pet at home if I think the fire will not reach my house?
No. Evacuation orders are issued because conditions can change rapidly and roads can become blocked. Pets left behind often do not survive fires, and rescue workers cannot prioritize animal rescue during active emergencies. If an evacuation order is issued, take your pet with you.
What if my pet is aggressive or has behavioral problems and I am worried about boarding?
Tell the boarding facility or hotel about your pet's behavior before you arrive. Some facilities have experience with anxious or aggressive animals and can accommodate them. Others cannot. It is better to know this before evacuation so you can find an alternative. Your veterinarian may also recommend a mild sedative to reduce stress during evacuation and boarding.
What if I evacuate to a hotel and my pet damages the room?
You are responsible for any damage your pet causes. Pet-friendly hotels typically charge a pet fee and may charge additional fees for damage. During evacuation, keep your pet in the carrier or crate when you are not in the room, and do not leave them alone for long periods. This protects both your pet and the hotel.
How do I learn about my area is under evacuation order?
Sign up for emergency alerts from your county or local government. Most areas use systems like Nixle, CodeRED, or local emergency apps to send evacuation orders by text and email. You can also check your county sheriff's office website or local news stations during fire season. Do not wait for an official alert — if you see heavy smoke or smell fire, start preparing to leave.