Protecting Your Pets During the Los Angeles Wildfires

As devastating wildfires tear through Los Angeles County, many pet parents are facing difficult decisions and dangerous conditions. With multiple fires burning across the region and tens of thousands under evacuation orders, it's crucial to act quickly while staying informed. This guide will help you protect your soulful sidekicks during this emergency, whether you're currently in an evacuation zone or just want to be prepared.

Immediate actions for LA pet parents

Current emergency animal sheltering options

If you need immediate sheltering for your pets, these options are available right now:

For small animals:

• All LA County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) animal care centers

• American Red Cross Sheltering Site at El Camino High School (5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, Woodland Hills)

For large animals:

• DACC animal care centers in Agoura Hills, Castaic, and Lancaster

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center

• Industry Hills Equestrian Center

Important Note: Pierce College and Hansen Dam Equestrian Center are currently at capacity and cannot accept more horses.

If you're in an evacuation warning zone

Don't wait until the last minute. If you're in or near an evacuation warning area:

1. Gather your pets and their emergency supplies now

2. Keep pets indoors and close to you

3. Ensure carriers and leashes are easily accessible

4. Park your car facing out of the driveway with a full tank of gas

5. Monitor official channels (www.animalcare.lacounty.gov) for updates

If you're under mandatory evacuation

Time is critical. Follow these steps:

1. Keep your pets with you at all times

2. Transport small animals in secure carriers and dogs on leashes

3. Take your pet emergency kit (see checklist below)

4. If you can't locate your pet quickly, leave your doors and a window open, and place food and water outside

5. Call animal control or emergency services for assistance if needed

Essential pet emergency kit checklist

Prepare or gather these items immediately:

For each pet:

• Carrier or crate labeled with your contact information

• Leash and collar with ID tags

• Two-week supply of food and water

• Medications and medical records in waterproof container

• Photos of you with your pet (for identification)

• Comfort items (favorite toy, blanket)

• Litter, litter box, and scoop for cats

• Poop bags for dogs

• Basic first aid supplies

Important documents:

• Vaccination records

• Microchip information

• Current photos of your pets

• List of pet-friendly hotels/motels

• Emergency contact numbers

Protecting pets from smoke and poor air quality

With dangerous air conditions across LA County:

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible

• Limit outdoor exercise to essential bathroom breaks

• Watch for signs of respiratory distress (excessive coughing, difficulty breathing, unusual lethargy)

• Ensure your home's air is as clean as possible using air conditioning and air purifiers

• Keep fresh water available at all times

Long-term emergency preparedness

Once this immediate crisis passes, take these steps to prepare for future emergencies:

1. Microchip your pets and ensure information is current

2. Update ID tags and keep current photos

3. Create emergency plans that include your pets

4. Identify pet-friendly evacuation locations in advance

5. Practice loading nervous pets into carriers

6. Keep emergency supplies stocked and rotate perishables

Additional resources

• LA County Emergency Information: lacounty.gov/emergency

• Pet Disaster Supply Kit Information: ready.lacounty.gov/pet-disaster-supply-kits

• Emergency Animal Response Updates: animalcare.lacounty.gov

• Noah's Legacy Fund (supporting emergency response): lacountyanimals.org/way-to-give/disaster-relief

Remember: Your pets rely on you to keep them safe. Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate and always include your pets in your emergency plans. If you need assistance with pet evacuation, contact DACC or local emergency services immediately.

Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your pets close.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.