In wildfire season, prepare an emergency plan for your pets

Dear Editor,

The Pickett Fire and Sky Fire are active in or near Napa County, making it important to prepare an emergency plan. Please include animals in your plans.  

Start by packing a “go bag” containing at least one week’s supply of food, water, and medications, along with medical records, bowls, comfort items, and litter box supplies for cats.

It is equally important to create an evacuation plan. Research places that accept animals ahead of time—identify animal-friendly hotels, shelters, campgrounds, or friends willing to help. Keep a printed list of addresses and contacts in your bag.

In case of accidental separation, all animals should be microchipped and wear ID tags with current contact information. It’s also a good idea to keep photos of you with your animals.

Take animals with you in an evacuation. Transport dogs on a harness and leash and cats and other small animals in secure carriers, as frightened animals may bolt. If authorities force you to evacuate without your animals, never leave them tied up or confined. Cut fences and open stalls to give animals at least a chance to escape.    

We can’t control when and where wildfires and other natural disasters happen, but we can control how prepared we are.

Sincerely,  
Melissa Rae Sanger, LVT 
The PETA Foundation  

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