Due to the increasing number of natural disasters across the United States, animal owners are being advised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and by State and local government emergency management coordinators, to design emergency disaster plans that include horses, pets and livestock. It is important for pet owners to realize that in a disaster they must take their pets with them, the family cat, dog, bird, horse or any other animals being cared for need to be included in family disaster plans. (See: Your Pet Disaster Kit Should Include, at the bottom of this page.)

Despite the best of efforts, disaster relief workers have seen animals that are separated from their owners and become victims of wild fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. People had the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross or National Guard to help them. But people shelters couldn’t take in animals, and far too many terrified animals were left behind.

American Animal Welfare Society uses an adapted motor coach (bus) equipped with caging for small animals. Because these environmentally controlled unites are mobile, rescue workers can provide temporary housing for pets at the disaster site. They also allow for animals that are not soon reunited with their owners to be transported to the nearest animal shelter for longer-term housing and minor vet care.

But, the benefit of these busses does not end there. Federal and State agencies have also called on American Animal Welfare Society when they close down substandard breeding facilities and needed assistance to transport the animals. Small animals that are removed by the appropriate law enforcement agency have been transported to animal shelters for evaluation, treatment, and care.

If you would like to contribute toward animal welfare, click here.

Your Pet Disaster Kit Should Include: