Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Disaster Preparedness and Planning | Domestic Pets | Livestock/Agricultural Animals
Service Animals | Disaster Shelters for Animals | Ways to Cope with the Death of a Pet
Research Articles/Papers | Online Training

Disaster Preparedness and Planning

Domestic Pets

American Red Cross. (2009). Pets and disaster safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m3640126_PetSafety.pdf [PDF - 306 KB] 

This document is also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440125_PetSafety_SP_9_09.pdf [PDF - 264 KB]. 

This tip sheet explains how to prepare for the care of pets during disasters and provides guidance on what to do during an actual disaster event.

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2010). Saving the whole family: Disaster preparedness series. Retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/ebusiness50/files/productdownloads/saving_family_brochure.pdf [PDF - 378 KB] 

This document is also available in Spanish at http://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/files/productdownloads/2011%20STWF%20Spanish.pdf [PDF – 1.85 MB]. 

This booklet was developed to help pet owners avoid having to leave their animals stranded in the event of a disaster or an evacuation. It includes detailed information on assembling emergency kits and plans addressing the needs of a wide variety of animals including livestock.

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2010, June). Emergency preparedness and response. Retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/files/productdownloads/emerg_prep_resp_guide.pdf [PDF - 3.05 MB] 

This resource is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency managers, and others interested in all-hazards/all-species veterinary and animal emergency issues. It contains a wealth of information about disaster planning and the needs of animals.

Bevan, L. (2003). Disaster planning for pets—life in America. Retrieved from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/print/PrintArticle.aspx?id=98829810 

This article includes stories from actual disaster situations involving animals and provides tips for how to rescue pets as part of disaster planning.

Central Vermont Humane Society. (2011, September). The companion connection. Retrieved from http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf [PDF – 3.15 MB] 

This publication begins with an article titled “Animal Sheltering When Disaster Strikes—It’s Not Easy!” It also features a “Pet Preparedness Checklist” that identifies items that should be kept in a disaster kit that address caring for a pet. The issue includes information regarding obstacles related to sheltering with a pet and lists necessary pet-related supplies to have on hand.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (n.d.). Caring for animals. Retrieved from FEMA’s Ready.gov website at http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals 

This web page provides information regarding caring for animals during an emergency. It includes guidelines for caring for pets and livestock, as well as links to related websites.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). (2000). Disaster planning: Community planning. Retrieved from http://www.apnm.org/publications/general_articles/disaster_planning/HSUS%20disaster%20planning%20for%20communities.pdf [PDF - 1.26 MB] 

This manual provides detailed guidance for writing a disaster plan inclusive of all types of animals, such as companion animals, agricultural animals, small exotic pets, exotic wildlife, and native wildlife. It incorporates the need to involve the local community and State government in the plan and includes chapters on development of a plan, services to be provided, equipment and supplies, public health and safety issues, and ways to work with the media.

HSUS. (2008). Disaster preparedness for pets. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/disaster/disaster_preparedness_pets.pdf [PDF – 361 KB] 

This brochure provides emergency and disaster planning information as it relates to the care of pets. It provides tips for how to care for pets if evacuation is required during a disaster, as well as when sheltering in place.

Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). (2010, June). LSART household pet evacuation and sheltering manual. Retrieved from http://lsart.org/sites/site-1707/documents/LSART_MANUAL_JUNE_2010.pdf [PDF - 1.04 MB] 

This plan has been developed for the operation of evacuation points and household pet shelters serving parishes within the State of Louisiana. It provides information for people with household pets to help them evacuate during an emergency and support the humane care and treatment of household pets during an emergency.

National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs. (2011, September). Preparedness and community outreach. Retrieved from http://www.learn.cfsph.iastate.edu/dr/wg.docs/outreachwhitepaper.sep.2011.pdf [PDF - 236 KB] 

This paper provides general guidance for the preparation of informational materials for community outreach. It includes information about how to develop appropriate public messaging content, and why the means of message delivery is as important as its content. In addition, it discusses how messaging can be delivered and by whom, as well as who should receive messages and why.

RedRover. (2012). Community animal emergency planning resources. Retrieved from the RedRover website at http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navId=489 

This list of helpful resources is for community leaders who wish to establish or improve animal disaster plans. It includes standard forms that can be useful for temporary emergency animal sheltering and provides links to examples of other organizations, manuals, and plans that address the care of animals in disasters.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2009). Saving pets saves lives. Retrieved from http://www.aphis.usda.gov/emergency_response/downloads/pet/spslbrochure.pdf [PDF - 1.87 MB]

This material is also available in a fact sheet format at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/emergency_response/downloads/pet/spslfactsheet.pdf [PDF - 770 KB]

This brochure provides information regarding the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which can serve as a disaster planning resource for State and local entities. The service can also provide critical expertise and support during a disaster.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Preparing your pets for emergencies makes sense. Get ready now. Retrieved from http://www.preppers.info/uploads/pets.pdf [PDF - 1.86 MB] 

This brochure provides information on preparing for disasters by getting a pet emergency supply kit, staying informed about different types of emergencies, and responding appropriately to different emergency situations.

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Veterinary Medicine Extension. (1999). DANR guide to disaster preparedness. Retrieved from http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/DANR/DANRGuide2.pdf [PDF - 697 KB] 

This guidance offers animal care procedures and emergency-related forms that may be useful in developing a disaster preparedness and response plan. It provides information about disaster preparedness training and resources as they relate to animals.

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Livestock/Agricultural Animals

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2010). Saving the whole family: Disaster preparedness series. Retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/ebusiness50/files/productdownloads/saving_family_brochure.pdf [PDF - 378 KB] 

This document is also available in Spanish at http://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/files/productdownloads/2011%20STWF%20Spanish.pdf [PDF – 1.85 MB]. 

This booklet was developed to help pet owners avoid having to leave their animals stranded in the event of a disaster or an evacuation. It includes detailed information on assembling emergency kits and plans addressing the needs of a wide variety of animals including livestock.

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2010, June). Emergency preparedness and response. Retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/files/productdownloads/emerg_prep_resp_guide.pdf [PDF - 3.5 MB] 

This resource is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency managers, and others interested in all-hazards/all-species veterinary and animal emergency issues. It contains a wealth of information about disaster planning and the needs of animals.

FEMA. (n.d.). Caring for animals. Retrieved from FEMA’s Ready.gov website at http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals

This web page provides information regarding caring for animals during an emergency. It includes guidelines for caring for pets and livestock, as well as links to related websites.

National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs. (2011, September). Preparedness and community outreach. Retrieved from http://www.learn.cfsph.iastate.edu/dr/wg.docs/outreachwhitepaper.sep.2011.pdf [PDF - 236 KB] 

This paper provides general guidance for the preparation of informational materials for community outreach. It includes information about how to develop appropriate public messaging content, and why the means of message delivery is as important as its content. In addition, it discusses how messaging can be delivered and by whom, as well as who should receive messages and why.

HSUS. (2000). Disaster planning: Community planning. Retrieved from http://www.apnm.org/publications/general_articles/disaster_planning/HSUS%20disaster%20planning%20for%20communities.pdf [PDF - 1.26 MB] 

This manual provides detailed guidance for writing a disaster plan inclusive of all types of animals, such as companion animals, agricultural animals, small exotic pets, exotic wildlife, and native wildlife. It incorporates the need to involve the local community and State government in the plan and includes chapters on development of a plan, services to be provided, equipment and supplies, public health and safety issues, and ways to work with the media.

HSUS. (2008). Disaster preparedness for horses. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/disaster/disaster_preparedness_horses.pdf [PDF – 371 KB]  

This brochure provides information regarding barn fires as they relate to horses. It provides tips for fire prevention as well as how being prepared can save your horses. This brochure also includes steps to take should a barn fire occur.

HSUS. (2008). Disaster preparedness for livestock. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/disaster/disaster_preparedness_livestock.pdf [PDF – 349 KB] 

This brochure provides information regarding livestock and disasters. It lists precautions to take, tips for sheltering in place, and evacuation planning guidance. This brochure also lists essential items to include in a farm disaster kit.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2010). Emergency support: Safeguarding agriculture, animals, and natural resources. Retrieved from http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/aphis_general/content/printable_version/USDA_ESF.pdf [PDF - 3.92 MB]

This booklet provides information regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s responsibilities during emergencies. These include, but are not limited to, monitoring for and responding to animal/plant pest and disease situations and providing for the safety and well-being of household pets.

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Veterinary Medicine Extension. (1999). DANR guide to disaster preparedness. Retrieved from http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/DANR/DANRGuide2.pdf [PDF - 697 KB] 

This guidance offers animal care procedures and emergency-related forms that may be useful in developing a disaster preparedness and response plan. It provides information about disaster preparedness training and resources as they relate to animals.

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Service Animals

American Council of the Blind. (n.d.). Emergency preparedness for your service animal or pet. Retrieved from http://www.surpriseaz.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2918 [PDF - 17.8 KB]

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding emergency preparedness for people who own service animals or pets.

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP). (n.d.). Emergency and disaster relief and preparedness for people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs. Retrieved from the IAADP website at http://www.iaadp.org/disaster.html 

This document defines what assistance dogs are and describes the various types of assistance they can provide. In addition, information is also provided regarding how disaster relief workers and shelters can accommodate persons with disabilities who are partnered with assistance dogs.

National Organization on Disability. (2009, September). Disaster readiness tips for owners of pets or service animals: Prepare yourself. Retrieved from http://www.nod.org/assets/downloads/Readiness-Tips-Owners-Pets.pdf [PDF - 177 KB] 

This brochure was created to help people with pets or service animals plan for emergencies. It provides information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and defines a service animal. The brochure has a suggested list of items for a disaster kit when sheltering in place or evacuating with a service animal during a disaster.

University of Kansas. (n.d.). Service animal/pet identification form and in case of emergency form. Retrieved from http://www.rtcil.org/documents/Service%20Animal%20and%20Pet%20ID%20Form.pdf [PDF – 113.1 KB]  

This is a form that service animal owners should fill out and keep with the service animal at all times during a disaster or emergency situation. Should the service animal be separated from its owner, the form will provide guidance regarding care instructions and emergency contact information.

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Disaster Shelters for Animals

American Red Cross. (2007, May). Pet sheltering: Building community response. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/ARCPetsandSheltering_3pg.pdf [PDF - 36.7 KB]

This document offers information regarding the role of the American Red Cross in disaster relief work as it relates to pet sheltering. It includes guidance regarding communication and mass care and provides examples of effective programs to support the care of pets.

Central Vermont Humane Society. (2011, September). The companion connection. Retrieved from http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf [PDF – 3.15 MB] 

This publication begins with an article titled “Animal Sheltering When Disaster Strikes—It’s Not Easy!” It also features a “Pet Preparedness Checklist” article that identifies items that should be kept in a disaster kit that address caring for a pet. The issue includes information regarding obstacles related to sheltering with a pet and lists necessary supplies to have on hand when sheltering a pet.

Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). (2010, June). LSART household pet evacuation and sheltering manual. Retrieved from http://lsart.org/sites/site-1707/documents/LSART_MANUAL_JUNE_2010.pdf [PDF - 1.04 MB] 

This plan has been developed for the operation of evacuation points and household pet shelters serving parishes within the State of Louisiana. Its purpose is to enable residents with household pets to evacuate during an emergency, and to control and support the humane care and treatment of household pets during an emergency.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Emergency Programs Division. (n.d.) North Carolina animal disaster sheltering resources. Retrieved from the NCDA&CS website at http://www.ncagr.gov/oep/Sheltering/manuals.htm

This web page provides a variety of resources related to animal sheltering. It includes proposed animal sheltering guidelines and examples of recommended animal sheltering forms.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2007). Shelter operations: Pet-friendly shelters. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/FEMAPetShelteringbestpractices2007.pdf [PDF - 204 KB]

This document outlines the essential issues that jurisdictions should consider when developing plans to provide pet-friendly sheltering for people before, during, or after an emergency that requires a large-scale evacuation.

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Ways to Cope with the Death of a Pet

Allen, M. A. (2008). Helping children cope. Retrieved from http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/brochures/children.pdf [PDF – 522 KB] 

This brochure provides information regarding ways to help a child with the death of a family pet. It includes personal stories, scenarios, and beneficial methods of helping children cope.

Also available in handout format at http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/children.pdf [PDF - 131 KB]. 

Allen, M. A. (2008). Memorializing a pet. Retrieved from http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/brochures/memorials.pdf [PDF - 690 KB] 

This document provides tips for developing a pet memorial that might help with coping and grief by providing a loving reminder of the pet.

Also available in handout format at http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/memorials.pdf [PDF - 153 KB]. 

Allen, M. A. (2008). The moment after: Surviving pet loss. Retrieved from http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/brochures/moment.pdf [PDF – 868 KB]  

This document provides guidance regarding how to cope with the immediate grief experienced when a pet dies. It provides 10 steps that may help pet owners feel better and manage their grief.

Also available in handout format at http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/surviving.pdf [PDF - 135 KB]. 

Allen, M. A. (2008). Ten tips on coping with pet loss. Retrieved from http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/brochures/tentips.pdf [PDF – 568 KB] 

This document describes common responses of children dealing with the death of a pet and provides tips about ways to cope with the grief and difficult decisions that need to be made.

Also available in handout format at http://www.pet-loss.net/handouts/tentips.pdf [PDF - 157 KB]. 

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2009, December). When your animal dies: Understanding your feelings of loss. Retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/files/productdownloads/ pet_loss_brochure.pdf [PDF - 416 KB] 

This brochure provides information regarding the emotions one might experience after the death of a pet. It reviews the stages of grief, discusses the difficult decision regarding whether or not to get another pet, and provides guidance on remembering the pet.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB). (2012). Children and pet loss. Retrieved from the APLB website at http://aplb.org/services/children.html 

This resource provides information about how children in different developmental stages understand the death of a pet, lists questions children may ask after a pet has passed, and provides guidance on involving children in memorializing their pets.

HSUS. (2009, October 26). Coping with the death of your pet: How to cope when it’s time to say goodbye. Retrieved from the HSUS website at http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/coping_with_pet_death.html 

This online article includes information regarding the grief process as it relates to the death of a pet. It discusses ways that both children and older adults may cope differently from other age groups and includes possible signs of grief in other pets still at home.

Robinson, L., Segal, J., Segal, R. (2012, January). Coping with pet loss: Grieving the death of a dog or cat. Retrieved from Helpguide.org at http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grieving_pets.htm 

This document provides information on understanding grief and the grieving process after the death of a pet. It reviews different ways to grieve and includes tips for coping with grief experienced when a pet dies.

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Research Articles/Papers

Beaver, B. V., Gros, R., Bailey, E. M., & Lovern, C. S. (2006, September 15). Report of the 2006 National Animal Disaster Summit. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 229(6), 943–948. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_229_6_943.pdf [PDF - 200 KB] 

This article reports on the importance of taking into account the human-animal bond in advance planning for natural disasters in the United States.

Hall, M. J., Ng, A., Ursano, R. J., Holloway, H., Fullerton, C., & Casper, J. (2004, November). Psychological impact of the animal-human bond in disaster preparedness and response. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 10(6), 368–374. Retrieved from http://www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/casper.pdf [PDF - 57.7 KB] 

This document provides an overview of the impact of the animal-human bond on disaster management and highlights the need to further examine the relationship between animals and humans in disaster response.

Heath, S. E., Beck, A. M., Kass, P. H., & Glickman, L. T. (2001, June 15). Risk factors for pet evacuation failure after a slow-onset disaster. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 218(12), 1905–1910. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_218_12_1905.pdf [PDF – 198 KB] 

In this cross-sectional study, the authors provide information to help people determine risk factors for pet evacuation failure during a flood.

Heath, S. E., Voeks, S. K., & Glickman, L. T. (2001, June 15). Epidemiologic features of pet evacuation failure in a rapid-onset disaster. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 218(12), 1898–1904. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_218_12_1898.pdf [PDF - 228 KB] 

This paper describes a cross-sectional study about epidemiologic features of pet evacuation failure after a hazardous chemical spill in which residents had no warning and minimal time to evacuate.

Lowe, S. R., Rhodes, J. E., Zwiebach, L., & Chan, C. S. (2009, June). The impact of pet loss on the perceived social support and psychological distress of hurricane survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(3), 244–247. Retrieved from http://www.rhodeslab.org/files/PetlossRhodes.pdf [PDF - 69.8 KB] 

This paper reports on a study in which researchers examined linkages of the death of a pet, post-hurricane perceived social support, and psychological distress.

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Online Training

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). (n.d.). CERT Animal Response I. Retrieved from http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_mat.shtm#animal

The CERT Animal Response I course provides information on emergency preparedness for animal owners and ways to recognize specific animal behaviors. It includes an instructor manual, participant manual, and PowerPoint presentation.

CERT. (n.d.). CERT Animal Response II. Retrieved from http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_mat.shtm#animal

The CERT Animal Response II course prepares emergency responders for situations involving animals that they may experience while performing their job duties.

FEMA. (2010, August 9). IS-10.a—Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness. Retrieved from http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is10a.asp

According to its online description, this course is intended “to increase awareness and preparedness among animal owners and care providers, and to describe how typical hazards affect animals and what can be done by responsible owners to reduce the impact of disasters.”

FEMA. (2010, August 13). IS-11.a—Animals in Disasters: Community Planning. Retrieved from http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS11a.asp

According to its web page, “this course provides information for groups to meet and develop meaningful and effective plans that improve the care of animals, their owners, and the animal-care industries in disasters.” The web page identifies course objectives as “to learn how to develop a community plan for managing animals in an emergency, identify hazards and threats most likely to affect your community and ways to minimize their impact on animals . . . [and] describe resources available to help communities recover from a disaster.”

FEMA. (2011, July 12). IS-111.a—Livestock in Disasters. Retrieved from http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is111a.asp

According to its online description, “this course combines the knowledge of livestock producers and emergency managers to present a unified approach to mitigate the impact of disasters on animal agriculture. . . . The objectives of this course are to learn [to] understand issues that arise when disasters affect livestock, determine a farm's susceptibility to hazards, and identify actions to reduce economic losses and human and animal suffering in disasters.”

Most animal response organizations require the following FEMA independent study courses for their staff and/or volunteers. These courses are located on the FEMA Emergency Management Institute's Independent Study Program website, http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp?page=all.

• IS-100.b—Introduction to Incident Command System
• IS-200.b—ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS-700.a—National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
• IS-800.b—National Response Framework, An Introduction

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