Washoe County Regional Animal Services evacuated 314 animals during the Hawk Fire, ranging from dogs and cats to livestock, ferrets, and birds.
Over four days, WCRAS rescued 155 dogs, 87 cats, 53 livestock animals, and 19 other animals, according to a post on their Facebook page.
WCRAS responded to 238 calls for evacuation in coordination with firefighters and law enforcement.
In some cases, they worked directly with pet owners to enter homes and properties inside evacuation zones and retrieve animals their families could not safely reach.
In urgent situations, this sometimes required officers to break a window to make entry and bring animals to safety.
When an owner did not request removal or evacuation was not feasible, officers verified the animals’ welfare and made sure they had food, water and other basic care until their families could safely return.
Other WCRAS team members established and operated two emergency shelters.
"Many employees worked through the night after already completing a full day. Administrative employees stepped into hands-on shelter roles, helping with intake, cleaning, feeding and animal care," said the Facebook post in part. "All of this happened while Animal Services continued providing essential shelter, dispatch and field services throughout Washoe County."
WCRAS also highlighted the efforts of volunteers and thanked employees and volunteers for their efforts.
