08/13/2025
As the Gifford Fire has now been declared a local emergency, our hearts go out to everyone fighting this fire and all those impacted by its pathโincluding pets!
Now is the time to review these emergency preparedness tips to make sure you are ready to evacuate with your furry family members:
๐พ Make sure pets are microchipped, wearing identification tags, and that leashes and harnesses are close at hand.
๐พ Get crates, carriers, and any other equipment for safe car rides ready in case you need to evacuate.
๐พ Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit including food and water, bowls, medications, medical records, microchip numbers, litterbox and litter, p**p bags, toys, and bedding. Find checklists and more resources at www.WoodsHumane.org/Resources.
๐พ Make plans for where your pets could be sheltered if you had to evacuate, such as with friends or family, a pet-friendly hotel, a kennel, veterinary hospital, or an emergency shelter.
Household pets are welcome at two current evacuation shelters: Santa Margarita Community Hall (22501 I St, Santa Margarita) and New Life Student Center (941 N Oak Park Way, Pismo Beach).
Two large animal shelters have been established: Elks Rodeo Grounds (4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria; call 805-781-1404 for North County location info). For large animal evacuation assistance, contact the Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) at 805-466-7457.
The small household animal shelter is SLO County Animal Services Shelter, 865 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo (open 8 AM to 5 PM). Call ahead at 805-781-4800 if bringing an animal to the shelter.
Learn more at www.emergencyslo.org. Stay updated on fire conditions, evacuation orders, and road closures at ReadySLO.org/evacuations. If evacuation becomes necessary, check your evacuation route and confirm shelter arrangements.
โค๏ธ Stay safe, SLO County!