Preparing AHEAD can save the life of your animals

You can never be too ready to evacuate. Wildfire behavior is unpredictable and can rapidly move from Level 1 - "Be Ready" to Level 3 - "Go Now".

During the fire season, Central Oregon is always at Level 1, meaning that residents need to Be Ready and Prepared to Evacuate family, pets and livestock before the Level 3 "Go Now" order is issued by emergency management.

Essentially, this means ALWAYS being ready to evacuate at any time.


  • Identify a safe evacuation location

  • Evacuate early

Domestic Animals - Have a transportation crate or carrier, and your pet’s grab-and-go bag ready. Your Grab-and-Go bag should contain:

  • Minimum 7 day supply of food and water

  • Medications with dosage instructions

  • Leash, and collar with current ID/license

  • Microchip information (microchips are highly recommended as backup to tags which can become lost)

  • Comfort items (toys, blankets)

  • Current picture of you WITH your animal(s)

  • Vet records

Large Animals - EARLY evacuation* is critical. It takes more time to prepare and transport large animals. Ensure your trailer is maintained and ready to transport animals. During an evacuation is not the time to find out you have a flat. Alternatives: friends with pre-arranged agreements to transport your animals during an emergency, or have a prearranged hauler and two evacuation routes.

Your Evacuation supplies should include:

  • Vet records

  • Brand inspections

  • Medications with dosage instructions

  • Bedding material

  • 2 or more hay bales/animal

  • Grain/Feed

  • Current picture of you WITH your animal(s)

* If evacuation is not possible, remove halters and lead ropes and turn animal(s) out of of the barn. Ensure that barn doors and gates are closed behind you so animals cannot return and get trapped inside.