As wildfire season intensifies across the Truckee-Tahoe region, local pet owners are being encouraged to make emergency plans now rather than waiting until an evacuation is ordered.
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe said preparing ahead of time can help keep pets safe during wildfires, when fast-moving conditions can leave little time to gather supplies or make evacuation plans.
"Preparation is one of the most important things pet owners can do to keep their animals safe during wildfire season,” said Erin Ellis, community engagement director with HSTT. “Wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to gather supplies or make plans.”
The organization recommends that people never leave pets behind during an evacuation. Pet owners are encouraged to keep cat carriers and dog crates easily accessible, identify multiple evacuation routes, research pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, and arrange temporary shelter with friends or family outside wildfire-prone areas if needed. Sharing evacuation plans with trusted neighbors and practicing loading pets into carriers and cars before an emergency can also help reduce stress.
Officials said local shelters should be considered a last resort for pets because they can fill quickly and have limited space.
The Humane Society also recommends keeping pets properly identified with current tags and ensuring dogs have an up-to-date license. Microchipping provides additional protection if pets become separated from their families during an evacuation.
Microchipping is available free for Town of Truckee residents and costs $15 for nonresidents through the Truckee Animal Shelter. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (530)582-2484.
Pet owners should also keep a waterproof folder containing recent photos of each pet, veterinary records, dog licenses, and microchip information.
Experts recommend building a pet emergency kit with enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last at least seven to 14 days. Suggested items include food and water bowls, medications, first aid supplies, leashes, carriers, cleaning supplies, favorite toys, and copies of veterinary and microchip records stored in a waterproof container.
The organization also encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts. Nevada County Alerts replaced the CodeRED emergency notification system in April 2026. Residents across the Tahoe Truckee region can determine which emergency notification system applies to their location by visiting TahoeAlerts.com.
“Preparing now can make all the difference when disaster strikes,” says Ellis. “By ensuring pets have proper identification, emergency supplies, evacuation plans and access to timely alerts, families can evacuate more quickly and safely while reducing stress for both people and animals.”
Additional pet preparedness resources, dog licensing information, and community services are available through the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.
