Truckee, Calif. (June 30, 2026) – As the Truckee-Tahoe area enters into peak fire season, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is urging local pet owners to be prepared. Taking precautionary steps now can help ensure the safety of pets during emergencies and evacuations.
“Preparation is one of the most important things pet owners can do to keep their animals safe during wildfire season,” said Erin Ellis, community engagement director with HSTT. “Wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to gather supplies or make plans.”
There are a few simple steps pet owners can take to help reduce stress when evacuation orders are issued.
Create an Evacuation Plan
The most important rule during an evacuation is simple: Never leave your pets behind.
Pet owners should:
- Keep cat carriers and dog crates readily accessible.
- Identify multiple evacuation routes.
- Research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities and friends or family outside wildfire-prone areas who may be able to provide temporary shelter.
- Share evacuation plans with trusted neighbors or friends and provide access information if they may need to assist pets during an emergency.
- Practice loading pets into carriers and vehicles to help reduce stress during an actual evacuation.
Your local shelter should be your last resort for pets since shelters can fill up quickly and have limited space. Affordable pet carriers and crates can often be found at HSTT’s Thrifty Tails Boutique.
Gather Identification and Important Documents
Every pet should wear a properly fitted collar with current identification tags. Dogs should also have an up-to-date license. Microchipping and pet ID provides an additional layer of protection if pets become separated from their families during an evacuation.
Microchipping is available free of charge for Town of Truckee residents and $15 for non-residents through the Truckee Animal Shelter. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 530-582-2484.
Pet owners should also maintain a waterproof folder containing:
- Recent photos of each pet
- Veterinary records
- Dog licenses
- Microchip information
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Every household should have a pet-specific emergency kit ready to go at a moment’s notice. Experts recommend packing enough supplies for at least seven to 14 days.
Essential items include:
- Pet food and bottled water
- Food and water bowls
- Cat litter and litter pan
- Waste bags
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Flea and tick prevention products
- Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers
- Favorite toys and comfort items
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
- Copies of veterinary and microchip records stored in a waterproof container
Stay Informed
Receiving timely emergency notifications can save lives.
In April 2026, Nevada County launched Nevada County Alerts, replacing the previous CodeRED emergency notification system.
Residents throughout the Tahoe-Truckee region can determine which emergency alert systems apply to their location by visiting TahoeAlerts.com. The site serves as a one-stop resource for emergency notifications across Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Douglas, Alpine and Washoe counties, as well as Truckee, Carson City and South Lake Tahoe.
Because some residents have Truckee mailing addresses but reside in different counties, TahoeAlerts helps eliminate confusion by identifying the correct emergency alert system based on a specific address or GPS location.
Don’t Wait Until an Evacuation Order Is Issued
“Preparing now can make all the difference when disaster strikes,” says Ellis. “By ensuring pets have proper identification, emergency supplies, evacuation plans and access to timely alerts, families can evacuate more quickly and safely while reducing stress for both people and animals.”
For additional pet preparedness resources, dog licensing information, and community services, visit www.hstt.org.
About the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
Founded in 1994, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of pets through adoption, spay/neuter services and humane education. From Truckee to South Lake Tahoe and beyond, HSTT provides low-cost community spay/neuter services, wellness clinics, medical assistance, and pet food pantry services, helping to keep pets safe and families together. For more information, visit hstt.org.