When preparing to evacuate during a wildfire, it's essential to have a plan in place for both pets and livestock to ensure their safety. We’ve pulled together a few resources from the NFPA, the Halter Project, and Ready for Wildfire to help you prepare.

For pets, create a go-bag with food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and comfort items, and make sure they are microchipped and wearing identification. Know multiple evacuation routes and have a list of pet-friendly shelters or accommodations. For livestock, identify safe locations where they can be relocated ahead of time—such as fairgrounds or ranches—and have transportation, halters, and feed ready. Practice loading animals in advance, and if evacuation isn't possible, consider turning livestock into large, safe pastures with minimal vegetation and no overhead power lines, leaving gates open so they can move freely. Preparation and early action are critical to protecting animal lives during wildfire emergencies.

To begin creating your pet go-bag’s, download the pet or livestock documents below.

Download the pet evacuation checklist to begin creating a pet go-bag

Down the horse evacuation checklist to begin creating a horse go-bag

For information about evacuating with other animals, such as poultry or rabbits, visit Mendocino Counties Disaster Preparedness page.

Check out this video made by the Halter Project about best tips and tricks for evacuating your pets:

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Bring pets inside at the early signs of a wildfire - that way if an evacuation notice is issued they’ll be close and you won’t have to spend time searching for them outdoors.
Many of the supplies needed for a pet kit can be used. When you buy a new leash, collar or bed, add the old item to your pet’s emergency kit. Instead of disposing of old towels and blankets, wash them and put some in your pet’s kit.
Practicing your evacuation route using your horse trailer ensures it’s compatible with the road’s width and grade on each potential exit route from your home. A stuck trailer could prevent others from using the same path to safely evacuate.
If you’re unable to evacuate with the horse, but have time, using one of the methods below may help animal rescuers reunite you quicker with the horse:
- Use a livestock crayon to write your name, phone number and address on the horse
- With clippers shave your phone number into the horse’s coat
- Braid a temporary ID tag with pre-written contact info into the horse’s mane
- Attach a neck band