Wildfire pet preparedness: keeping animals safe during smoke and evacuations

Quick takeaways: essential steps for pet safety

• Keep pets indoors during poor air quality. When wildfire smoke is present, keep pets inside with windows and doors closed. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help maintain indoor air quality[1].
• Monitor vulnerable pets closely. Flat-faced breeds, young, senior, and pets with pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to smoke and heat.
• Prepare a pet evacuation kit. Assemble supplies including two to four weeks of food and water, medications, medical records, collapsible dishes, waste supplies, and comfort items.
• Never leave pets behind. If evacuation is necessary, always take your pets with you and leave early for everyone’s safety.
• Ensure proper identification. Keep collars, tags, and microchips up-to-date to facilitate the quick return of lost pets.

Who this guide is for and when it applies in Canada

This guide is designed for pet owners across Canada living in regions vulnerable to wildfires or smoke plumes. It provides information for dogs, cats, and small mammals. Smoke can affect areas hundreds of kilometres from active fires, meaning even urban pet owners in regions like Southern Ontario or Atlantic Canada should prepare. Wildfire seasons typically span spring through fall, though regions like British Columbia’s interior or the Prairies may experience smoke at other times. Preparation is easiest during the off-season.

Understanding the risks to pets

Pets do not understand environmental changes like smoke and may become stressed, hide, or run away. Smoke irritation can cause coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Animals with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds), seniors, kittens, puppies, and those with heart or lung conditions are at higher risk. Pet-friendly shelters may be limited during evacuations, and not all hotels accept animals. Planning ahead is crucial to prevent separation or harm. While pet respiratory masks exist, most are for veterinary use; consult your veterinarian before purchasing.

Preparation timeline: today, this week, this season

Actions to take today

• Create a clean room. Designate a room with minimal windows for pets during smoke events. Seal it and set up an air purifier.
• Update identification. Ensure your pet’s collar has current contact information. Schedule microchipping or tattooing if needed.
• Compile veterinary records. Gather vaccination certificates, prescriptions, and a recent photo. Store copies in a waterproof folder and digitally.

Actions to take this week

• Assemble a pet emergency kit. Include food and treats for two to four weeks, collapsible dishes, a manual can opener, a spoon, and bottled water (70 mL/kg for dogs; 1 L/day for cats).[2]
• Build a pet first‑aid kit. Include gloves, a flashlight, blunt‑tip scissors, gauze pads, gauze rolls, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, sterile rinse, a cold pack, bandage material, a thermometer, and an emergency thermal blanket. Consult your vet about administering medications.
• Secure carriers and travel equipment. Acquire a sturdy carrier for each pet. For dogs, include leashes (2 m and 5–7 m), harnesses, and muzzles.
• Teach evacuation behaviour. Practice calmly loading pets into carriers and vehicles.

Actions to take this season

• Vaccinate and consider insurance. Update vaccinations and explore pet insurance for emergency boarding coverage.
• Arrange accommodation. Identify pet‑friendly hotels, friends, or family outside potential danger zones. Check for pet‑friendly evacuation centres.
• Rotate supplies. Rotate pet food and water every three months and replace medications as per veterinary advice[3] [4].

Step-by-step action plan during smoke or evacuation

1. Monitor air quality. Use Environment Canada and local advisories. When air quality worsens, bring pets indoors, close windows, and run an air purifier.
2. Create a safe space. Move pets to the prepared clean room with familiar bedding, toys, and water.
3. Minimise outdoor exposure. Limit dogs to brief bathroom breaks only when necessary. Provide indoor enrichment activities.
4. Prepare for evacuation. Monitor wildfire alerts. Load carriers, the pet emergency kit, and your go‑bag into your vehicle. Attach ID tags to carriers.
5. Evacuate early. Leave before conditions become severe. Always bring your pets. Display an emergency sticker on your doors indicating pets inside.
6. Stay together. At evacuation centres, keep pets leashed or crated. Provide comfort items and maintain routines as much as possible.
7. Return home safely. Check your home for hazards before releasing pets. Maintain good indoor air quality until smoke clears.

Key decision points for different situations

• Cats vs. Dogs vs. Small Animals: Cats need separate litter boxes. Dogs require leashes and muzzles. Small animals need secure cages and extra bedding.
• Vehicle vs. No Vehicle: If you lack a vehicle, arrange transport with neighbours or community groups. Contact local animal shelters for assistance.
• Urban vs. Rural: Rural owners may face longer travel distances; ensure carriers are well-ventilated. Urban owners should plan alternate routes to avoid congestion.
• Apartment vs. House: Apartment owners should coordinate with property management on evacuation plans. House owners should have ready access to carriers and plan for pets in yards.

Recommended product families for pet preparedness

Pet Carriers

Purpose: Secures pets during evacuations and provides a safe space. Key Features: Hard‑sided or soft‑sided, adequate ventilation, secure latches, and sized so the pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably[5].

Pet Emergency Kits

Purpose: Saves time during evacuations by having essential supplies ready. Key Features: Should include collapsible bowls, waste bags, basic first aid supplies, emergency blankets, and space for medications in a waterproof container.

Portable Air Purifiers

Purpose: Reduces indoor smoke particles using HEPA filtration. Key Features: True HEPA and activated charcoal filters, appropriate room coverage, and quiet operation.

Pet Respiratory Masks

Purpose: Some masks are designed for veterinary use and may offer limited protection during transport. Always consult your veterinarian before use. Key Features: Proper sizing, adjustable straps, and a transparent design.

Portable Water Bowls and Feeders

Purpose: Provides food and water on the go to prevent dehydration. Key Features: Collapsible, leakproof, BPA‑free, and easy‑to‑clean.

Cooling Mats

Purpose: Helps regulate your pet’s body temperature during extreme heat or smoky conditions when air conditioning may be limited[6]. Key Features: Durable, puncture‑resistant materials and non‑toxic cooling gel.

Microchip and ID Tags

Purpose: Increases the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with owners. Key Features: Durable engraved tags, microchips registered with pet registries, or QR‑code tags.

Pet First‑Aid Kits

Purpose: Allows treatment of minor injuries until veterinary help is available. Key Features: Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, an emergency blanket, and a pet first‑aid guide.

Pet evacuation checklist

• [ ] Two to four weeks of pet food and treats
• [ ] Bottled water (70 mL/kg/day for dogs; 1 L/day per cat) and collapsible dishes[7] [8]
• [ ] Sturdy carrier for each pet and extra bedding
• [ ] Leashes, harnesses, and muzzles (for dogs)
• [ ] Litter box, litter, and scoop for cats
• [ ] Bedding and hiding box for small animals
• [ ] Pet first‑aid kit
• [ ] Medications and medical records in a waterproof bag
• [ ] Copies of vaccination history and recent photos
• [ ] Waste bags, paper towels, and disinfectant
• [ ] Comfort items and toys
• [ ] Emergency sticker for your home indicating pets
• [ ] List of SPCA centres and Animal Helpline numbers

Common mistakes and myths about pet wildfire safety

• Myth: “Pets will be fine outside during smoke.” Reality: Prolonged exposure can irritate eyes and lungs; limit outdoor time.
• Mistake: “I’ll find a carrier when I need one.” Reality: Carriers may sell out; acquire them in advance.
• Mistake: “Pets don’t need ID if they’re microchipped.” Reality: Microchips must be registered and updated; also use a collar tag.
• Myth: “My pet will be allowed in any shelter.” Reality: Not all evacuation centres accept animals; call ahead for pet‑friendly options[9] [10].
• Myth: “Pet masks are the solution.” Reality: Respiratory masks are specialised and should only be used with veterinary guidance.

When to seek professional help or escalate

• Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of smoke irritation (coughing, red eyes, difficulty breathing).
• Call emergency services or the SPCA Helpline if you cannot evacuate with your pets or need assistance moving animals.
• Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet collapses or has laboured breathing.
• Reach out to animal shelters or rescue organisations for temporary boarding if you cannot return home.

Sources and verification notes

1. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Dog safety during poor air quality alerts or wildfire smoke | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
2. Alberta Animal Health Source — Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies | Alberta Animal Health Source
3. Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | American Red Cross
4. Humane World for Animals — Pet Emergency Plan and Disaster Preparedness
5. Transporting pets - inspection.canada.ca
6. American Kennel Club — How Cooling Mats for Dogs Can Help Beat the Heat
7. Hastings Veterinary Hospital — Hydration for Pets: How Much is Enough? | Hastings Veterinary Hospital
8. Pet Nutrition at OVC — Beat the Heat: Your Guide to Pet Hydration – Pet Nutrition at OVC
9. Alberta.ca — Pet preparedness | Alberta.ca
10. ASPCApro — Sample Plans for Evacuation and Sheltering | ASPCApro