Wildfires are an increasing concern across the country. Between 2015 to 2022, an average 800,000 hectares of forest were lost due to wildfires annually. However, as the climate changes, the risk of environmental disasters is increasing every year and outcomes are becoming more devastating. In 2023, a record breaking 15 million hectares for forest were destroyed by wildfires across Canada.

This year, 3.7 million hectares of forest had already been destroyed by wildfires by the end of June. Throughout July and August, wildfires continued to ravage forests and communities throughout the country and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

When natural disasters happen, it’s not just the forests that are affected. Wildlife, ecosystems and communities are also impacted. For those impacted by wildfires and other environmental disasters, evacuating your home is a time filled with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. This stress is made worse when the family has a pet. For most pet owners, their animals are beloved members of their family, so their safety and wellbeing is equally important. Early planning and preparations are essential to ensure your whole family, including your pets, are safe and cared for.

Planning an evacuation strategy and emergency kit for your animal, as well as one for yourself and your family, will help ease some of the anxiety and worry if you have to leave your home.

One of the first things you should do is make a list of animal-friendly accommodations in nearby cities. One of the biggest challenges many pet owners have faced is struggling to find a place where they can stay with their pet after they are evacuated. Many hotels and evacuation sites don’t allow pets. This has left families struggling to find adequate accommodations or having to make unimaginable decisions on what to do with their treasured family member after they have left their home.

Make a list of local animal rescues, shelters and sanctuaries and contact them to see how they can help. Every province and territory has animal service groups that will step in to help care for animals impacted by environmental emergencies. Knowing who these groups are will reduce a lot of worry if you are forced to evacuate.

Ann Swinson, along with Shane Swinson, opened Happy Days Sanctuary in rural Niagara, Ontario in response to the 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray. Their sanctuary has become a haven for a variety of animals that have been displaced by environmental disasters.

Prepare an emergency kit in a waterproof bin for your pets as well as for yourself and keep them together by your home’s entrance so you can grab what you need quickly.

For those living in remote areas, evacuations, especially with pets, can be even more challenging. Limited transportation options and access to services means advance preparation is even more essential to ensure everyone’s safety. Community emergency planning should include pet and animal care as well as resident care. If families are forced to leave their pets behind, they need to know that someone is taking care of their beloved animals.

As we’ve seen in recent years, environmental disasters are becoming more frequent and are causing more severe outcomes. Wildfires can spread quickly and force people and their pets to evacuate with very little notice. Emergency preparation is essential to ensure the safety of your family and your pets.
For more information, visit hdsanctuary.com

Just the Facts

According to Shane Swinson, Executive Vice President, Insurance Portfolio at First Onsite Restoration, a pet emergency kit should include:
• one to two weeks worth of food, water and any medications your pet is taking
• treats
• toys
• medical records
• leash
• muzzle
• pet blanket
• animal crate or carrier
• list of animal shelters, vets, and animal-friendly accommodations
• other supplies you may need