TRUCKEE

As the Truckee/Tahoe area enters into peak fire season, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is urging local pet owners to be prepared. Taking precautionary steps now can help ensure the safety of pets during emergencies and evacuations.

There are a few simple steps pet owners can take to help reduce stress when evacuation orders are issued. 

The most important rule during an evacuation is simple: Never leave pets behind.  

Pet owners should: 

• Keep cat carriers and dog crates readily accessible. 
• Identify multiple evacuation routes. 
• Research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and friends or family outside wildfire-prone areas who may be able to provide temporary shelter. 
• Share evacuation plans with trusted neighbors or friends and provide access information if they may need to assist pets during an emergency. 
• Practice loading pets into carriers and vehicles to help reduce stress during an actual evacuation. 
• The local shelter should be a last resort for pets since shelters can fill up quickly and have limited space.

Every pet should wear a properly fitted collar with current identification tags. Dogs should also have an up-to-date license. Microchipping and pet ID provides an additional layer of protection if pets become separated from their families during an evacuation. 

Microchipping is available free of charge for Town of Truckee residents and $15 for non-residents through the Truckee Animal Shelter. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (530) 582-2484. 

Pet owners should also maintain a waterproof folder containing recent photos of each pet, veterinary records, dog licenses, and microchip information.

Every household should have a pet-specific emergency kit ready to go at a moment’s notice. Experts recommend packing enough supplies for at least seven to 14 days.

~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release