Evacuating with pets

Just like people, pets must be evacuated when an evacuation order is issued, and cannot be left behind. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets!

If you evacuate, even if you think you may be gone only for a few hours, take your pets. Once you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you’ll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.

  • Have an emergency kit and plan for your pet, including identifying a friend or neighbour that lives close by, that can access your home and grab your pet if you are not home when an evacuation order is issued.
  • Make sure your dog is licensed, so that you can be reunited quickly if you are separated.
  • If you use a kennel or daycare, find out what their emergency plan is.
  • Make sure you have a “Grab and Go” bag for your pet with enough water, pet food and pet medication, if necessary. ” Pet “Grab and Go” items should include:
  1. Leash
  2. Pet restraint, muzzle or harness
  3. Pet carrier
  4. Pet food for three days (or more)
  5. Water for three days (or more)
  6. Collapsible food and water dishes
  7. Treats, a favourite toy and a small towel with your scent on it
  8. Waterproof backpack or bag for your pet supplies
  9. Copy of vaccination records
  10. Medications and basic pet first aid supplies
  11. Photos of your pet(s) with you and alone; they can be used for identification

If you have a pet and a vehicle

  • If possible, try to find accommodation that is pet-friendly, like a pet-friendly hotel or friend or family member.
  • If you plan to stay in a public emergency shelter, ensure you bring a carry case and leash for your pet.
  • The RMOW will try to direct people with pets to an emergency shelter where pets and owners can stay together. However, depending on the emergency and where emergency shelters are located, not all emergency shelters will accept pets (especially if they do not arrive in a carrier) and the more exotic pets can pose additional challenges. In some cases pet shelters may be separate and not immediately adjacent to the public emergency shelters.
  • Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification.​

Do you require additional assistance to evacuate?

Yes   No

If you have a pet and do not have a vehicle

  • Plan NOW on how you will leave if an evacuation order is issued WITH your pet. If possible, make arrangements to get a ride with a pet-friendly family member or friend with a vehicle.
  • If there is time to do so, consider connecting with a pet-friendly person with a vehicle through the ridesharing platform Poparide. There is an option to list that you have a pet when you post your ride request.  
  • If there is an evacuation order for the community or neighbourhood – LEASH large dogs and place other pets in carriers. You do not want to have to spend extra time searching for a pet that may become anxious or excited and run away. 
  • If you do not have a ride for yourself and your pet, travel with your pet to the closest Central Muster Point. BC Transit buses will accommodate household pets in carry cases in an evacuation. Under extreme circumstances and for short distances, BC Transit may allow larger animals on leashes to travel on BC Transit buses.
  • It is strongly recommended that you prepare for your pet now, so that you have what is required on hand to ride on the bus with your pet if needed. 
  • If you plan to take public transit with your pet, or stay in a public emergency shelter, make sure you bring a carry case and leash for your pet and ensure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. 
  • Make sure you have a “Grab and Go” bag for your pet. 

Do you require additional assistance to evacuate?

Yes   No

If you have a service animal

  • Service animals will be accommodated on public transit and in emergency shelters.
  • If your service animal has a vest, specific harness, or identification card bring it with you when you evacuate. 
  • Make sure you have a “Grab and Go” for your service animal. Not all emergency shelters will have animal emergency supplies available.

Do you require additional assistance to evacuate?

Yes   No