PETA Offers Urgent Information for Safeguarding Animals During Wildfire

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

For Immediate Release:
August 15, 2014

Contact:
Lauren Rutkowski 202-483-7382

As the area continues to be threatened by wildfires, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, companion birds, and other animals who need to be included in evacuation plans:

• In the event that your area is evacuated, never leave companion animals behind to fend for themselves. They aren’t any better equipped to survive disasters than humans are.
• Know your destination ahead of time. Shelters for human victims often don’t allow animals, but motels in the area will probably accept them in an emergency. Call destinations in advance, and find out which ones will accommodate you and your animals.
• Never leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can panic and try to escape or suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is provided and the windows are slightly open.
• Place small animals in secure carriers. Dogs should be leashed with harnesses because frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt and strangle. Take water and food bowls, your animal’s favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least one week.
• Make sure that dogs and cats are microchipped, and put legible ID tags with your phone number on them so that your animal companions can be found if they get separated from you.