LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s national theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” is a reminder that every member of the household, pets included, needs a plan for wildfires, severe storms, power outages and other emergencies that can strike with little warning. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is using the month to urge local pet owners to build or update a pet-specific emergency plan.

“Wildfires and other emergencies can happen with little or no warning, and pets don’t get a vote in when we decide to prepare,” said Erin Ellis, community engagement director with HSTT. “National Preparedness Month is the perfect nudge to make sure every animal in the house, not just the dog and cat, is part of the plan.”

Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets who need a plan. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, fish, horses and other animals all have unique needs during an emergency, and taking time now can make an evacuation safer and less stressful for everyone.

Never Leave Pets Behind

If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. When evacuation orders are issued, pet owners should take all of their animals with them and should not assume they will be able to return home quickly.

Before an emergency happens, pet owners should identify several safe locations where their animals can stay. They can contact a veterinarian about boarding options, look into pet-friendly hotels outside the immediate area, or ask friends or family about temporary care. Cat carriers and dog crates should be kept readily accessible, and evacuation routes should be identified in advance.

Local shelters should be a last resort for pets, since shelters can fill up quickly and have limited space. Affordable pet carriers and crates are available at HSTT’s Thrifty Tails Boutique.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Every household should keep a pet-specific emergency kit ready to go at a moment’s notice, with enough supplies on hand to last through an extended evacuation.

A complete kit should include:

  • Pet food and bottled water
  • Food and water bowls
  • Medications, first-aid supplies and copies of prescriptions
  • Current veterinary and vaccination records
  • Collars, identification tags, harnesses and extra leashes
  • Secure carriers, crates or travel cages
  • Litter, litter trays and a scoop for cats
  • Flea and tick prevention products
  • Bedding, blankets and familiar comfort items
  • Toys and treats
  • Cleaning supplies and waste bags
  • Recent photos of every pet in case owners become separated from them
  • A list of emergency contacts, veterinarians and pet-friendly evacuation locations, kept in a waterproof container

For birds, fish and other small animals, kits should include appropriate carriers, tanks or bowls, bedding, food, water bottles and other species-specific supplies. Reptiles may require secure housing and a way to maintain appropriate warmth.

Make Identification a Priority

Every pet should wear a properly fitted collar with current identification tags, and dogs should have an up-to-date license. Microchipping provides an added layer of protection if a pet becomes separated from its family during an evacuation and is available free of charge for Town of Truckee residents and for $15 for non-residents through the Truckee Animal Shelter. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 530-582-2484.

Licensing your dog with the Town of Truckee ensures that they will be easily identified in the event of a disaster. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe manages dog licensing in partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile and lost pet licensing platform. Through dog licensing and their complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, DocuPet offers residents an effective dog identification and reunification program that keeps dogs out of shelters and returns them home safely. All dogs in the Town of Truckee must be licensed annually and vaccinated against rabies. Please visit https://hstt.docupet.com/en_US/

Pet owners should also consider a rescue alert sticker near the front door listing the number and types of animals inside the home, along with veterinarian contact information, and should mark it “evacuated” if time allows during an actual event.

Prepare Before You Need to Evacuate

Emergency supplies and leashes should be kept near an exit, and everyone in the household should know where to find them. Practicing how to load pets into carriers and vehicles ahead of time can reduce stress during a real evacuation, when animals may become frightened, disoriented or try to escape.

Residents can also sign up for local emergency notifications at TahoeAlerts.com, which helps identify the correct alert system for Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Douglas, Alpine and Washoe counties, as well as Truckee, Carson City and South Lake Tahoe.

“National Preparedness Month is a reminder that readiness isn’t a one-time task,” said Ellis. “A few minutes spent building a kit or writing down a plan today can make all the difference for your pets when an emergency happens.”

For additional pet preparedness resources, dog licensing information and community services, visit hstt.org.