(Compliments of Rocky Top Veterinary Service)

Most of us have smelled smoke last week or seen warnings about burn restrictions. These signs have gotten us thinking about animal evacuation plans. Have you thought about your plan? Where would you take your large animals if you have to evacuate your property due to fire? How would you get there? How would you handle an evacuation if you’re out of town at the time? There’s no one right plan for everyone, but let’s talk about a few things everyone should keep in mind.

What location would you evacuate your large animals to?

Some people are able move their horses and other animals to a friend’s house. Others go to emergency locations set up at local fairgrounds or arenas. If you have a private property you can go to, make a plan so that you can avoid group evacuation locations and only have to move your animals once.

How are you going to move your animals?

If you have a trailer…is it in good working order? Can you safely and confidently load your animals, especially your horses, onto it? If you can’t load your horses, start practicing! Do all of your animals fit onto the trailer, or would you need to make multiple trips? If you don’t have a trailer…do you have a neighbor who has extra space on their trailer? Do you have a friend who could bring their trailer over to your house if evacuation looks likely? Many community members with trailers are more than willing to help transport animals during an emergency, but this is not something you want to have to figure out as it’s time to leave your house!

What other details should you keep in mind?

Do you have all of your animal paperwork together in an easy to find location? Vaccination records, coggins tests, and proof of ownership are all important. Consider taking identification pictures of your horse if they are not included on your other paperwork.

Are your animals up-to-date on vaccinations? This is especially important if evacuating to a public location where there will be a variety of other animals.

Is your horse picky about his water source? If so, fill a water tank to bring with you, so that they have access to the water they are used to.

Is your animal on any medications? Don’t forget to pack them, too!

If someone will be assisting you with evacuation, are you on the same page? Do they know your gate code, phone numbers, where you keep the keys to your truck, etc? Can they catch and load your animals if you are out of town? Make sure you have easy access to all of your emergency contact information, including your veterinarians, animal control, sheriff’s department, and neighbors.

If for some reason you end up turning your animals loose instead of evacuating them, make sure that your name and phone numbers are clearly marked on their bodies and that they have access to feed and water.

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Naturally we are focused on your large animal friends, but don’t forget to have a plan for your small animals as well. Have leashes, carriers, paperwork, identification, medications, and feed ready to go for your dogs, cats, and other household pets!

Evacuation checklist:

• Feed and water for at least 3 days
• Daily medications
• Buckets for water and feed
• Hay net
• Halter and lead rope
• Paperwork: vaccination records, proof of ownership
• Shovel or pitchfork
• Bedding
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Emergency contact information
• Hoof pick
• Knife
• Standard first aid kit