Protecting Your Pets During the Los Angeles Wildfires
By: Lizz CaputoProtect your pets during the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires and prepare for future emergencies by taking these steps.
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:
Gather your pets and their emergency supplies now
Keep pets indoors and close to you
Ensure carriers and leashes are easily accessible
Park your car facing out of the driveway with a full tank of gas
Monitor official channels (www.animalcare.lacounty.gov) for updates
If you're under mandatory evacuation
Time is critical. Follow these steps:
Keep your pets with you at all times
Transport small animals in secure carriers and dogs on leashes
Take your pet emergency kit (see checklist below)
If you can't locate your pet quickly, leave your doors and a window open, and place food and water outside
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:
Microchip your pets and ensure information is current
Update ID tags and keep current photos
Create emergency plans that include your pets
Identify pet-friendly evacuation locations in advance
Practice loading nervous pets into carriers
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.