Many animals die in disasters because owners are unprepared to evacuate with them. Evidence-based disaster preparedness plans protect both human and animal welfare.
Companion animal disaster preparedness is a genuine welfare issue that affects both animals and the humans who refuse to evacuate without them. Animals left behind in disasters suffer and die from flood, fire, exposure, and starvation. Owners who refuse to evacuate because they cannot take their animals put themselves at risk. Preparedness planning — including emergency kits with water, food, medications, carriers, and documentation for each animal — enables rapid, safe evacuation. Identifying pet-friendly emergency shelters in advance, having a list of boarding facilities outside the likely disaster zone, and ensuring all pets are microchipped with current contact details all reduce welfare harm in the critical early hours of an emergency.