While we can’t plan for natural disasters, we can prepare for them. Natural disasters, like wildfires, can be devastating for both humans and their pets. During these moments of high stress, it’s critical to take care of your furry, feathered, and scaly companions as much as possible. With the current LA wildfires threatening many families, we have put together some helpful tips and resources below so you can continue to ensure your pets live their happiest, healthiest, and longest lives.

Access to veterinary care

During natural disasters, we know veterinary care is often unavailable or difficult to get to. To support families affected by the LA wildfires, we’re offering a full month of free access to 24/7 veterinary care through Airvet. If you’re in need, please email support@airvet.com to get access.  

Resources for pet parents affected by the L.A. Fires

• Emergency Animal Shelter Information: Los Angeles County Fires – Animal Care and Control
• Get help finding lost pets in the LA area
• Sevilla Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Pedraza Reales; Offering treatment, medication and food free of charge for fire victims
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Offering free boarding for evacuated animals
• Airbnb.org, Offering free, emergency housing to people impacted by the LA wildfires
• If you are seeking a pet-friendly shelter, please visit the American Red Cross Sheltering Services. 
• Evacuation Shelters:
  • El Camino Real Charter High School, 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills
  • Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena
  • Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima
  • Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City
• Animal Shelters:
  • Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W Mckinley Ave., Pomona (Horses)
  • Pierce College Equestrian Center (Large Animals), 7100 El Rancho Dr., Woodland Hills
  • Rose Bowl Stadium (Large Animals), 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
  • Agoura Animal Care Center (Small Animals), 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills
  • Pasadena Humane Society (Small Animals), 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

Keep pets indoors

Smoke inhalation is dangerous for humans and pets alike. To minimize their exposure to harmful smoke and ash: 

• Keep them indoors as much as possible and, when outside, monitor them closely.
• Ensure they are in a safe and well-ventilated area indoors, ideally with an air purifier. 
• Be aware of the signs of smoke inhalation, which can include difficulty breathing, coughing, and lethargy. 
• For pets suffering from smoke inhalation, veterinary care is always best but products like Pawprint Oxygen can be an interim help.

Ensure your pets have identification

In the chaos of a natural disaster, you may become separated from your pets. To ensure you can be reunited with your pet, always ensure… 

• Your pet is wearing a collar with an identification and your contact information.
• Consider microchipping your pet as an additional precaution, and keep your contact details up to date with the microchip company.
• Designate a friend or neighbor to care for your pets, or for you to care for theirs, in the event of a natural disaster when you are away from home.

Pack an evacuation bag for your pet

No matter where you live, it’s important to have a disaster kit for yourself and your pet. Building a disaster kit for your pet ensures that your pet’s basic needs can be met at least for a few days. The American Veterinary Medical Association has an evacuation checklist that you can use to build these kits and prepare for an emergency. Some suggestions are… 

• Bottled water and a collapsible bowl
• Enough food for at least a week stored in a waterproof container
• An extra leash and collars
• Blanket
• A basic pet first aid kit, like the one offered by MySimplePetLab
• Any important documents like vaccination record, rabies certificate and your veterinarian’s contact information

Caring for your pets after a disaster

Once you have made it through a disaster together, your pet may show signs of stress or discomfort due to the challenges associated with evacuation. To ensure you are supporting them as you both recover, here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

• Allow for uninterrupted sleep to allow pets to recover from the trauma. 
• If your pet did not eat for a prolonged time during the disaster, reintroduce their food in small servings and work into their full portion. 
• Just like humans, pets can be negatively affected by the disruption of routine activities like feeding times, walks, etc. Try to re-establish a normal schedule as soon as possible to help your pet recover. 
• Comfort them; simply petting and snuggling can help reduce anxiety both for yourself and your pet.
• If you notice any signs of acute discomfort or illness in your pets, get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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By taking these precautions, you can help protect your pets during wildfires or any natural disaster. While these times are challenging for everyone, planning ahead ensures your entire family, including your pets, stays as safe and healthy as possible.