The volunteers of EPIC-FSC, in association with the City of Calabasas, care deeply about everyone who calls Calabasas home — including the animals who depend on us. That’s why emergency preparedness planning must include pets of every kind. While dogs and cats are often top of mind, many local households also care for birds, reptiles, and larger animals such as horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens.

Wildfire evacuations can unfold quickly and with little notice. Planning ahead, before an evacuation order is issued, can make all the difference for residents, responders, and animals alike.

Small Animals: Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Household Pets

For most residents, pets are family members—and in an emergency, they rely on us entirely. Evacuation planning should include

• A pet go-bag with food, water, medications, and copies of veterinary records
• Secure carriers or crates for each animal
• Leashes, harnesses, and ID tags with updated contact information
• A plan for where pets can go if evacuation orders are issued

During wildfire events, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (LA County ACC) establishes temporary emergency animal shelters as needed. Shelter locations may change depending on the incident, so residents should rely on official county and city updates for the most current information.

Large Animals Are a Reality in Calabasas

Calabasas and nearby communities include equestrian properties and homes with livestock. During major wildfire evacuations, Los Angeles County designates large-animal evacuation centers to support residents unable to shelter their animals at home.

One such location used during some past wildfire emergencies is the Pierce College Equestrian Center in Woodland Hills, which has served as a large-animal evacuation site coordinated by Los Angeles County. Animals sheltered there have included horses and, depending on the incident, other livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, and similar animals.

Because capacity, access, and conditions can change rapidly, large-animal owners are strongly encouraged to:

• Monitor official county and city emergency alerts
• Identify evacuation options in advance
• Practice loading animals into trailers or transport cages
• Maintain transportation and handler plans

Preparedness Reduces Risk—for Everyone

Emergency planning helps reduce last-minute panic, injuries, and confusion. Animals are highly sensitive to stress, and a clear plan supports their safety as well as that of residents and first responders. All residents—whether you care for one pet or multiple animals—are encouraged to review evacuation plans now, before a fire emergency happens.

Animal sheltering locations are event-specific and may change. Always rely on official City of Calabasas and Los Angeles County announcements during evacuations. For official updates during an emergency, monitor:

Preparedness reduces fear —it’s about readiness, responsibility, and community care.

After you’re “Ready” and you’re “Set,” when it’s time to “GO!,” let’s work together to protect everyone, on two legs and four.