When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the world witnessed not only the devastation inflicted on human communities but also the profound suffering experienced by companion animals. Thousands of pets were stranded, abandoned, or separated from their families, and many people refused to evacuate because they could not bring their animals with them.
Since then, the emergency management community has made significant efforts to improve planning for the evacuation of companion animals alongside their families. In 2006, the U.S. Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), requiring state and local emergency plans to account for household pets and service animals during disasters. This legislation mandated that emergency shelters, evacuation transportation, and disaster planning include provisions for animals.
While no equivalent legislation exists in Canada, incorporating pets into evacuation planning has become standard practice. The expectation that people will leave their pets behind is outdated; no one should have to choose between personal safety and the safety of their animals.
Emergency managers know all too well the risks of such an expectation, people will re enter dangerous areas to rescue their pets, placing themselves and responders at greater risk.
Yet despite these advances, challenges persist.
Why people still struggle to evacuate with their pets
Even with strong emergency plans, research consistently shows that pet ownership remains a barrier to evacuation. Farmer, DeYoung, and Wachtendorf (2016) found that many people hesitate to leave during disasters if they cannot bring their pets, noting that “pet ownership may continue to be an impediment to evacuation and sheltering for disasters.” Several factors contribute to this ongoing challenge.
Lack of Awareness of Pet‑Friendly Resources
Many residents simply do not know where they can go with their pets during an evacuation. Depending on the capacity of local responders, there may not always be designated spaces for animals. Reception centres typically do not allow pets for valid safety and hygiene reasons, but this lack of awareness can leave residents unprepared when an evacuation order is issued.
Emotional Bonds and Family Identity
Pets are family. Research in disaster sociology shows that people will risk their lives to stay with or return for their animals. This emotional bond is powerful and deeply human, but it can quickly turn dangerous when planning is inadequate.
Logistical Barriers
Transportation, carriers, vaccination records, and supplies all become obstacles during a crisis. Without preparation, families may feel unable to evacuate safely with their animals.
Strain on Animal Services During Disasters
A 2022 peer‑reviewed study by Rowitt and Brown, found that disaster events significantly affect animal care facilities, with fluctuations in intake and euthanasia rates depending on the type of disaster and facility structure. Their findings underscore the need to integrate animal welfare into broader disaster preparedness frameworks to “increase community resilience during disaster events”.
Shelter‑in‑Place vs. Evacuation: Preparing your pets for either scenario
Whether you must evacuate or shelter in place, preparation is the key to keeping your pets safe. Emergency plans provide a framework, but individual households must take proactive steps.
Build an emergency kit for your pet
A well‑prepared kit should include food, water, medications, vaccination records, a sturdy carrier/cage, comfort items, and litterbox supplies. Store these supplies in an easily accessible location.
Create a plan and practice it
Know what you need to evacuate, where you can go, and how you will get there. Just as families practice fire drills, pets also benefit from evacuation practice. This may include loading pets into carriers or vehicles and crate‑training them, so the process is less stressful during an actual emergency. For reactive dogs, getting them comfortable wearing a muzzle can reduce stress and may be essential if you must stay in close proximity to other people and animals.
Update identification and keep vaccines current
Microchipping dramatically increases the chances of reunification if you become separated from your pet. Ensure tags and microchip information are up to date. Keep vaccinations current, as kennels, boarding facilities, and even some hotels may not accept animals without required vaccines.
Coordinate with neighbors and your networks
If you are away from home when disaster strikes, a trusted neighbour may be able to retrieve your pet. Establishing these relationships ahead of time can save lives. Identify friends or family members who could temporarily care for your animal if you cannot take them with you to a reception centre or hotel, or if you need support while getting back on your feet.
Why preparedness matters for you and your pets
Disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe and the need for integrated human‑animal preparedness grows. Pets provide emotional support, companionship, and stability, especially during crises. Rowitt & Brown (2022), state “given the close bond between people and pets, and the poor health outcomes observed in both human and animal populations when the two are separated, integrating human and animal disaster response is essential to preserving community resilience”. Ensuring your pets safety is not just an act of love; it is a critical component of family resilience.
National Pet Day is an ideal moment to reflect on the lessons of the past, the progress made through legislation, and the work that still needs to be done to protect our animal companions. Preparedness empowers families to act decisively, reduces suffering, and honors the bond we share with our pets. By planning ahead, you ensure that when the unexpected happens, you and your pets can face it together.
If you want to help your local shelter prepare for a disaster, contact them to learn what supplies they need or consider donating to animal welfare organizations such as the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) or your provincial SPCA.
Citations
Rowitt, J.B. & Brown, H.E. (2022). Disaster event effects on cat and dog populations within United States animal care facility services: A cross sectional study. PLOS Climate.
Farmer, A.K., DeYoung, S.E., & Wachtendorf, T. (2017). Pets and Evacuation: An Ongoing Challenge in Disasters. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 13 (4).
Babcock, S.A., & Smith, D.G. (2020). Pets in Comprehensive Disaster Planning: The Post-Hurricane Katrina Experience. AJPH Hurricane Katrina 15 Years After 110 (10).
