Policy

Animal Rescue in Disasters and Emergencies

Natural disasters and emergencies pose severe welfare risks to both companion and farm animals requiring planned responses.

Key Facts

Hurricane Katrina (2005) resulted in the deaths of an estimated 600,000 pets and animals
The PETS Act in the USA now requires state emergency plans to include companion animal evacuation
Farm animal casualties in floods and fires cause immense suffering and significant economic loss
Wildfire evacuation of horses and livestock requires specialist transport and advance planning
Animal welfare organisations play a critical role in disaster response but are often underfunded

Welfare Considerations

Disasters disproportionately affect animals, whose vulnerability during emergencies is often underplanned for. Many animals are left behind when their owners evacuate, exposed to drowning, fire, starvation, and injury. Advance planning, legal mandates for animal inclusion in emergency plans, and adequately funded animal rescue capacity are essential.

What You Can Do

Create an emergency plan for your pets including microchipping, carriers, and evacuation routes
Support organisations that respond to animal welfare emergencies
Advocate for animal emergency response plans in your local authority
Donate to animal disaster relief funds following major emergencies
Ensure farm animals have emergency evacuation plans if you keep livestock