Wildfires continue to spark across San Diego County, making this the perfect moment to review your family’s emergency plan. And remember every family member counts — including your pets. They rely on us for their safety and should never be left behind during an evacuation.
“Pets can become trapped if a wildfire moves in, or damaged homes can allow them to escape or be harmed by predators,” said County Animal Services Director Dr. Brieana Sarvis.
When wildfires occur, emergency crews may block access to neighborhoods for hours or even days. If your pets are left at home, you may not be able to return to them. A little preparation now goes a long way.
Keep your pets ready to go:
- Make sure they always wear a collar and ID tag with a contact number.
- Microchip them — it’s one of the fastest ways to reunite pets with owners if they become separated. Most vets and shelters can scan microchips quickly.
Check your Pet Emergency Kit. It should include:
- One week of food
- One week of water
- Crate or carrier
- Medications
- Veterinary records
- A recent digital photo of your pet
- Grooming items
- Litter or waste bags
- Pet first aid kit
Animal Services may offer emergency shelter for pets during evacuations, but it’s smart to keep a list of pet‑friendly hotels and boarding facilities as backup options.
Microchipping is available by appointment at both County Animal Services locations in Bonita and Carlsbad. To schedule, call 619‑767‑2675.
Livestock owners should also have an evacuation plan. Animal Services offers a Disaster Preparedness for Livestock Guide with helpful information to get you started.
Preparedness saves lives. County Emergency Services and Animal Services are here to help you plan ahead, stay informed, and keep every member of your household — two‑legged and four‑legged — safe during an emergency.
