Wildfires Are Scary. Here’s How to Keep Your Pets Safe.

Hey Pack, Kodiak here. 🐾

I usually like fire.

Fireplace? Great.

Campfire? Interesting.

Dad cooking something on the grill? I will supervise that situation for as long as necessary.

Wildfires?

Absolutely not.

Here in California, wildfires are something we have to take seriously. And if you’re a dog parent, your emergency plan can’t just be about getting the humans out safely.

We need a plan too.

Because here’s the most important rule:

If you have to evacuate, your pets go with you.

The American Red Cross says that if it isn’t safe for you to stay home during an emergency, it isn’t safe for your pets either.

As a dog, I strongly support this policy.

Don’t Wait Until There’s a Fire to Figure This Out

Wildfires can move quickly.

That means the time to figure out where the leash is, where the dog food is and whether your dog can come to the hotel you’re heading toward is NOT while Dad is standing in the driveway yelling:

“KODIAK! GET IN THE CAR!”

Although, for the record, I would get in the car.

I love the car.

But you get my point.

Have a plan before you need one.

Know where you’re going.

Know how you’re getting there.

Know where your pets can stay.

And know what you’re grabbing on the way out.

Make Your Dog a Wildfire Go Bag

Humans have emergency kits.

Dogs should too.

Keep everything together in a backpack, duffel bag or container that’s easy to grab on your way out the door.

The Red Cross recommends having pet supplies ready including food, drinking water, bowls, medications, medical records, a first-aid kit, current photos, leashes or harnesses and other necessities.

I would also like to officially recommend treats.

That’s Kodiak guidance, not Red Cross guidance.

Your dog’s emergency bag should include:

• Food
• Bottled water
• Food and water bowls
• Leash and harness
• Backup collar with identification
• Any medications your dog needs
• Copies of vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag
• Pet first-aid supplies
• Waste bags
• A recent photo of your dog
• A photo of YOU with your dog, which can help establish ownership if you’re separated
• Veterinarian contact information
• A familiar toy or small blanket if there’s room
• Treats!

Definitely treats.

Kodiak’s Pick: ARCA PET Dog & Cat First Aid Kit

One thing I’d put near the top of the go bag is a pet first-aid kit.

We have the ARCA PET Dog & Cat First Aid Kit in the CDP Recommended Gear shop. It’s a compact kit designed specifically for pets, so you can keep it packed with your emergency supplies instead of trying to gather everything when you need to leave.

Hopefully you never have to use it.

That’s kind of the point.

Don’t Forget Food and Water

If you’re evacuating, you have no idea how long you’re going to be away from home.

Bring enough food and water for your pets and have something portable that lets you actually give it to them.

This is another reason I like having everything ready before an emergency.

Kodiak’s Pick: Cibaabo Dog Travel Water Bottle & Food Container

The Cibaabo Dog Travel Water Bottle & Food Container combines drinking water and food storage into one portable container.

That’s useful for road trips and hikes, but it also makes a lot of sense in an evacuation kit.

Grab the dog.

Grab the go bag.

Grab the water and food container.

Go.

And yes, make sure there is actual food inside it.

I shouldn’t have to explain that part.

Keep Your Dog’s ID Updated

This one is huge.

Emergencies are chaotic.

Gates get opened. Fences can be damaged. Dogs get frightened. Families get separated.

Make sure your dog has a collar with current identification and your correct phone number.

The ASPCA also recommends microchipping pets as a more permanent form of identification.

And if your dog is already microchipped, make sure the registration actually has your CURRENT contact information.

A microchip connected to a phone number you stopped using six years ago isn’t going to be nearly as helpful.

If you can afford it, the Fi Series 3+ Dog GPS Collar can keep track of your dog’s location. It also has a fitness tracker which I told my dad to turn off, I don’t need the judgement from him.

Keep Us Close When There’s a Fire Nearby

If there’s a wildfire in your area, this isn’t the day to let your dog wander around the backyard.

The Red Cross recommends bringing pets indoors and, when you’re near an evacuation area, keeping them somewhere you can quickly find them.

That makes sense.

Imagine getting an evacuation order and suddenly your cat has decided this is the perfect moment to disappear underneath a bed.

Or your dog is somewhere in the backyard investigating something incredibly important.

You don’t want to spend those critical minutes searching.

Keep your animals close.

Keep the leash ready.

Keep the go bag ready.

Keep the carrier accessible if you have a cat or smaller animal.

Kodiak’s Pick: Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash

This is also why having a backup leash with your emergency gear is a good idea.

The Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash is one of our CDP Recommended Gear picks.

Instead of relying on remembering to grab your everyday leash during an evacuation, you can keep a dedicated backup leash with your emergency supplies.

One less thing Dad has to remember.

I consider that a public service.

Know Where You’re Taking Us

Don’t assume every emergency shelter or hotel is going to accept pets.

Before there’s an emergency, identify places you could go with your animals.

That could mean pet-friendly hotels, friends or family, boarding facilities, veterinarians or other emergency accommodations.

Have more than one option.

Don’t Forget About Wildfire Smoke

Fire isn’t the only concern.

Smoke can affect animals too.

If wildfire smoke is heavy in your area, keep pets indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke getting inside.

And pay attention to your dog.

If your pet appears to be having difficulty breathing or seems sick after smoke exposure, contact a veterinarian.

That’s not the time for Dr. Google.

Or Dr. Kodiak.

I have many talents.

Veterinary medicine isn’t one of them.

Practice Getting Out

This might sound excessive until you actually need to evacuate.

Practice.

The Red Cross recommends including pets in evacuation drills.

Figure out how quickly you can get your dog leashed, grab the emergency bag and get everyone into the car.

If you have multiple animals, figure out who’s responsible for each one.

Because an emergency plan that only exists in your head isn’t nearly as useful as one you’ve actually practiced.

My Most Important Rule

Stuff can be replaced.

Your dog can’t.

Your cat can’t.

Your pets depend completely on you when something goes wrong.

So don’t wait until you see smoke to start thinking about this.

Get the bag.

Put some food and water in it.

Add the medications.

Add a pet first-aid kit.

Put an extra leash inside.

Check the ID tag.

Update the microchip information.

Figure out where you’re going.

Then hopefully that bag sits there for the next ten years and you never need it.

I would be completely fine with that.

Stay safe, Pack.

And please take us with you.

🐾

Build Your Pet Emergency Kit

We’ve put together gear that can help you get prepared before an emergency happens.

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Want More of the Cardiff Dog Pack?

Check out The CDP — Episode 1: Desert Rescue and meet Kodiak, Dash, Terry, Steve and the rest of the Pack.

Shop the CDP Store and use code JOINPACK20 for 20% off.

You can also find The CDP — Episode 1: Desert Rescue on Amazon.

And follow Kodiak and Dad on TikTok at @kurtandkodiak for the San Diego surf check and daily Bible verse.