Wildfires, floods, and other disasters often leave farm animals trapped, abandoned, or unable to receive care — emergency planning for livestock welfare remains a critical gap.
Farm animals are uniquely vulnerable in disasters because of their numbers, size, and the infrastructure required to move them. Unlike companion animals, livestock evacuation requires specialized trailers, knowledge of handling, and coordination between farmers, emergency services, and veterinarians. Animals that survive disasters may face days without water, feed, or veterinary attention. Integrating farm animal welfare into disaster planning frameworks represents a significant unmet need.