Companion Animals

Companion Animal Emergency Evacuation Planning

Natural disasters and emergencies require advance planning to safely evacuate companion animals. Preparedness saves lives and reduces suffering.

Key Facts

In disasters, many people refuse to evacuate without their pets
Animals left behind in disasters frequently die or suffer serious injury
Emergency plans should include pet-friendly accommodation identification
Microchipping and ID tags are essential for reunification after separation
Emergency kits for pets should include food, water, medication, and veterinary records

Welfare Considerations

Companion animals in emergencies face severe welfare risks including injury, dehydration, starvation, and psychological distress. Owners without advance plans often make reactive decisions that endanger themselves and their animals. Advance planning that includes pets in emergency procedures dramatically improves outcomes for animals and humans alike.

What You Can Do

Create an emergency plan for all pets including evacuation routes and destinations
Ensure all pets are microchipped and ID-tagged with current contact details
Prepare a pet emergency kit with essential supplies for 72 hours