Animal Welfare in Disaster Preparedness Plans

Including animals in disaster preparedness planning reduces mortality, improves human compliance with evacuation orders, and addresses the welfare of both companion and farm animals during emergencies.

Key Facts

Studies show 30-50% of people refuse to evacuate during disasters if they cannot take their pets
Post-Katrina legislation in the US required state and local emergency plans to include household pets
Agricultural disasters like floods and droughts cause mass farm animal mortality and severe suffering
Emergency shelter availability for large animals including horses and livestock is chronically underprovided
Climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of weather-related animal welfare emergencies

Welfare Considerations

Integrating animals into disaster preparedness planning improves outcomes for animals, their human caretakers, and emergency management systems. When people refuse evacuation because they cannot take animals, it creates safety crises for humans and animals alike. Inclusive planning that accommodates companion animals, livestock, and wildlife increases compliance and reduces total suffering. Pre-disaster veterinary preparedness, evacuation coordination, and temporary shelter infrastructure for animals save lives.

What You Can Do

Include all household animals in your personal emergency preparedness plan
Identify temporary housing for your animals in multiple potential emergency scenarios
Advocate for your municipality to include animals in emergency planning documents
Support animal emergency response teams in your region
Donate to organizations that respond to livestock and wildlife welfare emergencies