Accounting for Animals in Government Disaster Preparedness Plans is a Continuing Effort

Eighteen years ago, the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 began a movement for change in disaster preparedness procedures for federal, state, and local officials.

- Kelly Crouch

Not only did the hurricane drive home the fact that dealing with such a massive disaster required a much different approach than strictly localized events, but it also highlighted the need to address the needs of pet and animal owners. During the mandated evacuation, there was no place for animals in government provided services before the hurricane or later rescue efforts. Many people refused to evacuate because they would not leave their animals to face the storm alone. Still, more than a quarter of a million animals were left behind. Most of those animals died.1 Over the years, other disaster responses have demonstrated progress, but people and their animals are still dying.