Wildfires can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions for animals, whether they are household pets, horses, or livestock. Taking time to prepare before fire season begins helps ensure you can act confidently and protect animals when smoke or fire threatens your area.
Staying Informed During Wildfire Events
Maintaining situational awareness during a wildfire helps you make timely decisions to protect your animals. Reliable, real‑time information allows you to anticipate changing conditions, prepare for evacuation, and understand smoke impacts in your area.
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EPA AirNow: Offers current air quality conditions and smoke forecasts to help you assess risk for pets, horses, and livestock.
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County Emergency Management Alerts: Sign up for local emergency notifications to receive evacuation warnings, shelter locations, and hazard updates specific to your community.
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Local Fire Agencies: Follow county fire districts or the Oregon Department of Forestry for fire activity reports and response information.
You can combine these tools to monitor both fire behavior and smoke conditions, helping you act early and safely when situations change.
Preparing Animals Before a Wildfire
Planning ahead is the most effective way to safeguard animals during a wildfire. Early preparation reduces stress, supports smoother evacuation, and helps ensure that you have the tools and information you need when conditions change rapidly.
- Create an evacuation plan with multiple routes and predetermined shelter options.
- Assemble species-specific “go kits" with feed, water, medications, and identification.
- Maintain defensible space around barns, pens, and pastures.
- Train animals—especially horses and livestock—to load calmly into trailers.
Species tips
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Pets: Keep carriers, leashes, and microchip information readily available.
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Horses: Practice trailering regularly; label halters and lead ropes with contact info.
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Livestock: Have portable panels or temporary fencing available; keep ownership documents and brand records accessible.
Caring for Animals During Smoke or Nearby Fire
Even when flames are not close, wildfire smoke and ash can significantly impact animal health. Knowing how to reduce exposure and monitor for early signs of respiratory stress supports animal well‑being throughout an extended smoke event.
- Move animals indoors or to sheltered areas when possible.
- Limit exercise, handling, and transport.
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms and contact a veterinarian if concerns arise.
Species tips
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Pets: Keep indoors with filtered air; limit outdoor walks during heavy smoke.
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Horses: Provide plentiful clean water; avoid riding or strenuous work.
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Livestock: Protect water sources from ash; ensure access to fresh forage and shade.
Evacuating Animals During a Wildfire
Wildfire evacuation can be fast-paced and challenging. Acting early—before smoke thickens or roads close—helps ensure animals can be moved safely and efficiently to designated shelters or temporary housing.
- Evacuate as soon as local authorities issue warnings.
- Use permanent and temporary identification such as microchips, tags, brands, or markings.
- Load animals calmly and confirm your destination can receive them.
Species tips
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Pets: Bring carriers, waste supplies, food, and familiar bedding.
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Horses: Load early to avoid panic; use clearly labeled equipment.
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Livestock: Move animals in appropriate groups and use trailers that prevent overcrowding.
After a Wildfire
Returning home after a wildfire may reveal new hazards and stressors that can affect animal recovery. Careful inspection and gradual reintroduction to routines help animals adjust safely as conditions stabilize.
- Check all animals for burns, respiratory signs, dehydration, or stress behaviors.
- Inspect property for damaged fencing, debris, unstable structures, or contaminated water sources.
- Provide consistent feed, clean water, and a calm environment to support recovery.
Species tips
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Pets: Offer quiet spaces and monitor for anxiety or behavior changes.
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Horses: Check hooves and legs for irritation from ash or hot ground conditions.
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Livestock: Evaluate pasture quality; remove debris and monitor feed and water for contamination.