As British Columbia heads toward wildfire season, the BC SPCA is urging pet owners to be prepared, warning that this year’s unseasonably warm and dry winter could increase the risk of summer fires.
Marking Emergency Preparedness Week, the organization is reminding British Columbians that emergency planning should include every member of the household – including pets.
Among the key recommendations is preparing a pet-specific “go bag” in advance. The kit should include one to two weeks’ worth of food and water, dishes, medications, a carrier or crate, vaccination records and proof of ownership, along with basic supplies such as bedding, toys and waste bags.
The BC SPCA also stresses the importance of getting pets comfortable with carriers before an emergency happens. Practising crate use and loading pets into a vehicle can help reduce stress and prevent delays during an evacuation.
Ensuring pets can be identified is another critical step. Owners are encouraged to confirm their pet’s microchip or tattoo information is current and registered through the BC Pet Registry, which helps reunite lost animals with their families.
Pet guardians are also advised to arrange a backup plan with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member who can collect their animals if they are not home during an emergency.
For those who are unable to care for their pets during a crisis, the BC SPCA says it may be able to provide support, including emergency boarding and access to pet food banks.
The need for preparation has been underscored by recent wildfire seasons. During the 2023 fires in the Okanagan and Shuswap regions, the BC SPCA responded to hundreds of calls for help, cared for evacuated animals, conducted in-field welfare checks and distributed significant amounts of pet food to affected residents.
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