As wildfires continue to disrupt communities across Northern Nevada, two Reno-area pet organizations are working to make things a little easier for families who have been forced to leave home with their dogs.

Hearts for Street Dogs and Spoiled Petz Grooming have teamed up to provide free pet-essentials backpacks to families displaced by the fires. The effort recognizes that when an evacuation happens quickly, families may leave with little more than what they can carry, and basic supplies for a dog can quickly become another challenge.

Helping Families Care for Their Dogs

The backpacks are being assembled with donated supplies and may include dog food, treats, toys, collapsible food and water bowls, wound-care supplies, toothbrushes, blankets and other essentials, depending on availability.

Each displaced family can receive one backpack while supplies last.

The effort comes as animal shelters and community organizations continue responding to the needs created by the wildfires. As Dog Friendly Las Vegas previously reported, Washoe County Regional Animal Services was still caring for displaced dogs as the Bug Fire surpassed 88,000 acres.

For families already navigating evacuation, temporary housing and the uncertainty of what comes next, having food and other necessities for their dogs can provide a small but meaningful measure of relief.

Where Displaced Families Can Get Help

Free backpacks are available for displaced families at Spoiled Petz:

Spoiled Petz
2005 Sierra Highlands #121
Reno, NV 89523

Families should receive one backpack per household, while supplies last. Community members who know someone affected by the fires are encouraged to share the information so the resources can reach families who need them.

In a crisis, helping keep people and their pets together matters. For these Reno-area organizations, these backpacks are one tangible way to help families care for the dogs who are going through the upheaval with them.