Urgent From PETA: Upriver Fire Survival Tips to Help Save Animals Amid Evacuations

For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2026

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

With a fast-moving fire leading to mandatory evacuation orders for a large portion of the Spokane area, animals are in serious danger of dying if abandoned during evacuations. This information will undoubtedly save many animals’ lives and prevent much human remorse.

During evacuations, small animals such as cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and gerbils should be placed securely in carriers (birds should be covered in such a way that still allows airflow but minimizes stress), and dogs should be microchipped, wearing ID tags with current contact information, and kept on a secure harness and leash. PETA urges people to consider investing in a collar with a GPS tracker, like those made by Fi and Tractive, for added security. Horses and other large animals should never be locked in stalls or otherwise confined, unable to flee the flames. If it’s impossible to remove them, they should be freed so that they can attempt to escape and survive. Anyone who sees animals in danger or distress should assist if possible, but if they’re unable to help, they should note their exact location and alert authorities immediately.

Pack an emergency kit for yourself and one for your animal companions, and keep everything where it’s easy to grab in a hurry. Include bowls, towels, a favorite toy for comfort, litter and a litter box (for cats), and at least a week’s worth of food, bottled water, and medications.

Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities, such as running with dogs.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.