Natural disasters and emergencies are leading causes of companion animal abandonment and death. Pre-disaster planning significantly improves survival and welfare outcomes for pets in emergencies.
Disaster welfare for companion animals is disproportionately affected by owner preparedness. Animals in prepared households — with current identification, emergency supplies, and evacuation plans — have dramatically better welfare outcomes than animals in unprepared households. The psychological bond that causes owners to refuse evacuation without pets creates a secondary welfare problem when both owners and animals remain in danger. Prepared evacuation plans that include pet carriers and pre-identified pet-friendly shelters or hotels remove this barrier. Microchipping and current registry information are the most critical preparedness measures for reunification after disaster. For farm animals, pre-disaster liaison with local emergency management about large animal evacuation planning is essential welfare preparedness.