Pet Emergency Preparedness: A Guide to Protecting Your Animals in Disasters

The Growing Need for Pet Emergency Plans: Statistics and Trends

According to a recent survey by the ASPCA, more than one in five pet owners have had to evacuate their homes due to a disaster or emergency, and nearly half of them left at least one pet behind when they evacuated. 

The survey revealed concerning statistics about pet abandonment during emergencies:

  • 32% of pet owners left behind at least one dog

  • 20% left behind at least one cat

  • 8% left behind at least one horse

  • 83% of pet owners live in disaster-prone communities

National Animal Rescue Organizations: Who Responds During Disasters

Organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the ASPCA and the IFAW have dedicated teams that respond to disasters. The HSUS Animal Rescue Team (ART) is on call 24/7 and rescues thousands of animals each year from disasters. The ASPCA National Field Response team also assists with evacuations, search-and-rescue efforts, and establishing emergency shelters for displaced pets. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) helped to save and support more than 200 animals in North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

Lessons from the Prepper Community on Pet Preparedness

These organizations work tirelessly to ensure that animals affected by disasters receive the care they need and are eventually rehomed. Research on the resiliency that includes the protection of pets is only now emerging. However, preppers who own pets have almost always designed emergency plans that include their pets. As an ethnographer who studies the urban prepping subculture, preppers have sometimes included their dogs on excursions to familiarize them with carrying a small pack and hiking. 

Essential Steps for Creating Your Pet Emergency Plan

Many of us have watched the heartbreaking footage of abandoned animals trying to traverse the devastation caused by recent wildfires and hurricanes that have occurred in our country. No doubt, loving your pet means having a preparedness plan in place. 

Essential components of a pet emergency plan include:

  • Identifying pet-friendly evacuation shelters and hotels

  • Arranging a buddy system with neighbors for pet evacuation

  • Keeping identification and contact information updated

  • Building comprehensive emergency supply kits

  • Training pets for emergency transport

  • Creating calming strategies for stressed animals

  • Maintaining current medical records and vaccinations

Building a Pet Emergency Kit: Supplies and Checklists

Start by assembling a kit containing several days' supply of:

  • Food and water

  • Medications and first aid supplies

  • Sanitation items (gloves, trash bags)

  • Comfort items (favorite toys, blankets)

  • Travel supplies (leashes, carriers, harnesses)

  • Important documents and records

  • Calming aids (music playlists, familiar items)

Pet Evacuation Tips: Transportation and Safety Guidelines

Start by making an evacuation plan that includes pet-friendly shelters or hotels and arrange a buddy system with neighbors or friends to evacuate your pet if you aren't home. Whether your pet has a collar tag or microchip, keep your contact information updated. Build an emergency kit with several days' supply of food, water, medications, a first aid kit, and a favorite toy or two. Don't forget sanitation supplies like gloves and small trash bags. Be sure to desensitize your pet to its carrier or pack. Creating a calming playlist for travel is also helpful. During an emergency, always evacuate with your pet using sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers. The IFAW provides detailed information for preparing pet emergency kits, including downloadable labels at www.ifaw.org. For more comprehensive guidance, visit https://www.ready.gov/pets.

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