Summary: Natural disasters can be traumatic for pets and their owners, with many pet owners leaving their homes without their pets during times of crisis. Emergency shelters often don’t allow pets, which can cause pet owners to ignore evacuation orders. To ensure the safety and well-being of pets during natural disasters, it is important for pet owners to plan ahead, minimize stress and anxiety, and have a plan in place for finding lost pets.
Natural disasters can be extremely traumatic for both pets and their owners. During times of crisis, pet owners are often forced to make difficult decisions regarding their pets’ safety and well-being, which can be a highly emotional experience.
One issue that arises during natural disasters is that many pet owners leave their homes without their pets. According to studies, one in five pet owners has left their homes during a disaster or emergency, with almost half leaving at least one pet behind. Of those who left a pet behind, almost 30% didn’t have enough time to bring their pet with them, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness. This can be a highly stressful decision for pet owners, as they may worry about their pet’s safety and well-being while they are away.
Leaving pets behind puts them at risk of dangerous conditions, such as flooding, fires, and high winds. They may also not have access to food and water for an unknown amount of time. In fact, following Hurricane Katrina, around 15,500 pets were left behind, and many were not reunited with their owners. This highlights the importance of ensuring that pets are included in emergency planning and that pet owners have a plan in place for their pets during times of crisis.
Another issue that pet owners face during natural disasters is limited options for finding safe shelter. Emergency shelters often don’t allow pets, which limits options for pet owners. Studies show that pet owners are more likely to ignore evacuation orders if they can’t bring their pets with them. Despite this, most pet owners don’t have a safe place for their pets during emergencies, but many support government funding for it. This highlights the need for more pet-friendly emergency shelters and the importance of including pets in emergency planning.
Pets often experience significant stress during natural disasters, which can lead to anxiety and behavioral issues. Poor planning and preparation can cause pets to be lost during a natural disaster, compounding the stress and anxiety they may already be experiencing. To ensure the safety and well-being of pets during natural disasters, it is important for pet owners to take steps to minimize stress and anxiety, as well as to plan ahead to prevent pets from becoming lost or separated from their families. This can include things like having a pet emergency kit and ensuring that pets are microchipped.
During natural disasters, pets may become separated from their owners due to chaos and confusion. The ASPCA estimates that only 10% of pets are microchipped, making it difficult to reunite lost pets with their owners. Animal control facilities may become overwhelmed, further complicating the situation. To ensure that pets are reunited with their owners as quickly as possible, it is important for pet owners to have a plan in place for finding lost pets.
As a pet owner, it is important to be prepared for natural disasters and emergencies. By taking proactive steps to secure emergency pet-friendly housing and developing a plan for your pet’s safety and well-being, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy during times of crisis. Remember, the safety and well-being of your pet should always be a top priority during natural disasters and emergencies.
About Pet Advize
Petadvize.org is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to supporting this platform. Their mission is to give as many pets as possible a safe place to stay until the crisis has passed, saving countless numbers of animal lives and human hearts.
Press inquiries can be directed to Lawrence Lipman in Petadvize.org’s CA office at +1 (530) 702-9733, or you can email Lawrence at info@petadvize.org. Postal queries can be directed to Lawrence at Petadvize.org, 1574 Harry Lorenzo Ave, Woodland, CA, 95776. To check out the Petadvize.org website, go to https://www.petadvize.org.
__