Keeping Your Pets Safe During Wildfire Season

Why It Matters

Fire preparedness for you and your pets is essential. Wildfires can disrupt lives quickly. Pets depend on us for safety. Smoke harms our health and theirs. Evacuations require fast action. A solid plan ensures your pets are protected, whether staying home or leaving in a hurry.

How to Prepare Your Pets

1. Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Pack a grab-and-go kit, similar to how you would pack for a camping trip. Here’s what to include:

• Food: 3–7 days’ worth, plus portable bowls. We love Dee-O-Gees travel supplies!

• Medications: A week’s supply with prescription copies.

• Records: Vaccination records and proof of ownership (photos or microchip info).

• Comfort Items: A toy or blanket to ease stress. We love PawTree's calming supplements and their calming bone!

• Leash or Carrier: For safe transport.

• Collar with Tags: Ensure your name, phone number, and alternate phone number are clearly written.

• First-Aid Supplies: Basic items like bandages, a slip lead, an extra collar, and pain medications. Keep this kit accessible for quick evacuations.

  
  

2. Plan Your Evacuation

When preparing for fires, smoke, and evacuation, know pet-friendly destinations:

• Backup Locations: Arrange to stay with friends or family outside fire zones. Identify boarding facilities if needed, as well as pet-friendly hotels or campgrounds. There are many boarding facilities in Missoula, and most hotels are pet-friendly!

  
  

3. Protect Against Smoke

Missoula’s air quality often worsens during fire season, affecting pets’ lungs. Take these steps:

• Stay Indoors: Keep pets inside with windows closed. Use air purifiers if possible.

• Limit Outdoor Time: Shorten walks when air quality is poor. Monitor the Montana DEQ Air Quality Map. If you use a dog walker, understand that their walks will be shorter. Inside playtime can still be fun and exciting! At All Around Adventures, we keep an eye on the air quality meter. If necessary, we will spend more time playing inside with short bursts outside for potty breaks and quick zoomies!

• Watch for Issues: Contact your vet if your pet coughs or seems lethargic.

  
  

4. Ensure Identification

If separated, identification helps reunite you with your pet:

• Microchip: Confirm your pet is microchipped with updated contact info.

• ID Tags: Attach your current phone number to their collar.

• Photos: Keep recent pet photos in your kit.

  
  

5. Practice Your Plan

Train your pet to enter their carrier calmly. Practice loading them into the car to reduce stress during an evacuation. Ensure you have enough carriers for all pets. Cats are usually not excited to be stuffed into a carrier, so leave it out, open, and place treats inside daily to get them used to being inside. Cats love boxes, so let them see their carrier as just another box!

Missoula-Specific Tips

• Stay Informed: Follow Missoula County Emergency Services or apps like WatchDuty for fire alerts.

• Community Support: Keep updated on the All Around Adventures App for how our walks will be that day or week. We always update the banner at the top of the app to let you know if we are shortening walks for safety due to smoke, weather, or other hazards!

  
  

Conclusion

Wildfires are part of life in Missoula, but preparation keeps your pets safe. At All Around Adventures, we’re here to help with boarding or advice during fire season. Contact us to ensure your pets are ready for smoky days or sudden evacuations.

Contact Us or give us a call at 406-493-9844. Also, we should all start doing some rain dances and praying for rain, more rain, less fires, and a prettier Montana view!