Disasters expose millions of animals to suffering and death, with proactive planning and rescue capacity making the difference between crisis and survival.
Disasters cause acute suffering through injury, drowning, burning, starvation, and disease for animals abandoned or unable to evacuate. Owners who refuse to evacuate without their animals delay rescue operations and create additional risk. Post-disaster, displaced animals face disease, exposure, and prolonged suffering. Pre-disaster planning, including microchipping, emergency supplies, and animal-inclusive evacuation plans, prevents much of this suffering.