Pet abandonment during emergencies, ranging from natural to humanitarian crises, has been a major problem for years. In the chaos that ensues from a disaster, safely evacuating pets is too often an afterthought. In 2005, the devastating damage left by Hurricane Katrina shed light on the severity of the problem: up to 250,000 pets were left behind during the evacuation and an estimated 70,000 to 150,000 died. These numbers were overwhelming evidence that change needed to occur. Not only was there a paucity of animal-friendly emergency shelters in affected areas, but most emergency plans failed to account for animal family members. 

Legislation such as the PETS Act of 2006 has since been passed, hoping to enact change on the federal level. However, implementation is inconsistent across local governments, and funding and reinforcement are markedly limited. Meanwhile, pet owners still prioritize taking their pets with them during emergencies. Nearly 50% of the people who stayed behind during Katrina cited not wanting to leave behind their pets as the primary reason. Similarly, according to a 2021 survey from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 91% of pet owners said they would evacuate with their pets. However, only 46% had an emergency plan. Of pet owners who have had to evacuate their homes due to a disaster, 47% left at least 1 pet at home – reflecting the lack of sufficient planning. Pet owners deeply desire to stay with their pets. For them, pet emergency planning is vital.

Getting both pets and owners to safety continues to be a problem possessing global significance, with recent crises around the world – Ukraine War, Hurricanes Milton and Helene, even tornadoes and severe storms in Texas – displacing both pets and their owners. Disasters give little warning. Therefore, one of the most widely accessible and effective ways for pet owners to keep their beloved animal companions safe is to create a comprehensive emergency plan. There are several steps pet owners can take:

1. Microchip your pets and update collar/tag information: Microchipping greatly increases the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with their owners. Microchipping is no more invasive than vaccination and it’s also permanent, unlike collars and pet tags that may break off. That said, updating collar and tag information is still crucial, as it will be easier for the average person to read.
2. Practice Evacuating with Your Pet: Familiarize your pet with their carrier and include them in evacuation drills to reduce stress and increase efficiency in a crisis.
3. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations: Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current, as many boarding facilities require records to prevent the spread of disease.
4. Identify Safe Housing: Do not leave your pet behind, as they will have little means of survival. Instead, identify boarding facilities, vet offices, and shelters in your area that accept pets ahead of time (many evacuation centers, such as Red Cross shelters, cannot accept pets due to health and safety considerations).
5. Find Trusted Caretakers: Plan with a trusted caretaker (neighbor, friend, or family member) to care for and evacuate your pets if you cannot. Make a list of contact information.

Create a Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit: Having a disaster preparedness kit for your pet(s) allows you to focus on your and your pets’ safety during a crisis, instead of scrambling to gather supplies under stressful conditions and time constraints. Assemble an emergency kit for your pets by keeping essential items in an accessible place and storing them in sturdy containers. For a complete list of what should be in a kit, visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit.html.

Works Cited

Adams, Bethany W. “Pet Disaster Preparedness.” The Humane Society of the United States, 2018, www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

ASPCA. “ASPCA Survey Shows 83% of Pet Owners Are Impacted by Disasters, Fewer than Half Have Preparedness Plans.” ASPCApro, 22 Sept. 2021, www.aspcapro.org/news/2021/09/22/aspca-survey-shows-83-pet-owners-are-impacted-disasters-fewer-half-have. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

CDC. “Build a Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit.” Healthy Pets, Healthy People, 9 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit.html. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Reisen, Jan. “How Does a Dog Microchip Work? Should My Dog Have One?” American Kennel Club, 14 Apr. 2021, www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-do-dog-microchips-work/. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.Zeitlin, Matthew. “Hurricane Katrina Inspired a National Pet Evacuation Policy. The Plan Could Save Human Lives, Too.” Vox, 8 Nov. 2019, www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/11/8/20950253/wildfires-hurricane-katrina-pet-evacuation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.