Companion animals are often left behind or lose their owners during natural disasters. Advance planning ensures animals can be evacuated and reunited with owners in emergency situations.
Companion animal disaster welfare requires advance planning when conditions are normal and stress is low. Animals that have not been microchipped, whose owners have no evacuation plan, and who live in areas without animal-friendly shelter options face the worst welfare outcomes in disasters. Simple advance actions including microchipping, emergency supply kits for pets, identification and pet-friendly accommodation knowledge prevent most disaster welfare failures.